Half-time: Chelsea 1 Newcastle 0

Oscar struck against the run of play just before half-time to give Chelsea a barely deserved lead at the break.

Newcastle had been the brighter side for much of the first half, as a Blues defence – which included Petr Cech in goal and Kurt Zouma at centre-back – struggled with the Magpies’ pace.

Cech was called upon early on to field a tame Moussa Sissoko effort and Remy Cabella also saw a shot blocked as Newcastle carried a constant threat.

Cech made good saves from Yoann Gouffran’s free-kick and Cabella’s drive, while Sissoko hit the outside of the post.

A disjointed Chelsea had struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances until Newcastle switched off at a short corner.

Willian fed Branislav Ivanovic on the byline and he drilled the ball across the box to Oscar, who lashed home via keeper Tim Krul’s outstretched leg.

Willian came close to doubling the lead in first-half injury time but Krul was equal to his free-kick.

Cesar Azpilicueta limped off midway through the half, and was replaced by Filipe Luis.

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Courtois, Cahill, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Ramires, Remy, Drogba.

Newcastle: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Gouffran.
Subs: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Ameobi, Vuckic, Armstrong, Riviere.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook