Latest: Chelsea 4 Newcastle 0 – Blues heading for victory

Willian's second-half goal made the game safe for Chelsea

Pedro grabbed his second of the game as Chelsea continued to cruise towards their first home league win since Guus Hiddink’s return as manager.

The Spaniard had played his part in Chelsea’s dominant first-half display, scoring the second goal as the Blues went in at the break 3-0 up.

He then added a fourth on 58 minutes, as he beat a hapless Steven Taylor to Cesc Fabregas’ flighted long ball before beating Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot.

Newcastle had begun the second half brightly, and Cesar Azpilicueta had to be alert to throw himself in front of a Jonjjo Shelvey shot, while Aleksandar Mitrovic fired narrowly wide.

But the Magpies’ poor defending, exploited by Pedro, cost them – just as it had when they leaked three goals in 16 first-half minutes.

Diego Costa, playing in a facemask to protect a broken nose, opened the scoring early on when he timed his run perfectly to guide Willian’s  ball into the far corner.

Then Newcastle left-back Rolando Aarons played a casual pass on halfway, allowing Pedro the chance to run to the edge of the box before firing home.

The home side’s dominance was underscored by their third goal, as Costa picked up Fabregas’ lofted pass before threading the ball into the path of Willian, who was left with a simple finish.

The only concern for Chelsea was when captain John Terry limped off after 36 minutes, following a tangle with Mitrovic.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (Baba 36), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Hazard, Pedro; Costa (Traore 60).
Subs: Begovic, Baba, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Remy.

Newcastle United: Elliot; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Aarons; Tiote, Shelvey; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Townsend; Mitrovic.
Subs: Darlow, Lascelles, Saivet, Colback, Perez, Doumbia, Riviere.