After a brilliant Newcastle start, where they should have taken the lead, Chelsea rode their luck before asserting their dominance and recording a 2-0 win.
The Blues had Petr Cech to thank for keeping the game at 0-0, their deposed No 1 restored to the starting XI by Jose Mourinho and proving he is still one of the best in the Premier League, if not the best.
Cech made good saves from the impressive Remy Cabella and another from a Yoan Gouffran free-kick; although he could do nothing when Moussa Sissoko crashed the ball against the post.
The Blues scored firmly against the run of play, Willian's quick thinking from a corner allowing Oscar a tap-in at the far post.
After that goal Newcastle rather run out of steam, while Chelsea grew in confidence and eventually found another, Oscar providing a brilliant flick for Diego Costa to finish.
It might have been easy in the end, but for a long time Chelsea were second best in this one.
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