Chelsea's forwards cooled the pressure on Andre Villas-Boas as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Newcastle in an eventful match at the Sports Direct Arena this afternoon.
Goals from Didier Drogba, Saloman Kalou and Daniel Sturridge ended Alan Pardew's side's unbeaten run at home as Chelsea temporarily climbed to third in the Premier League.
The Blues were fortunate not to play the majority of the match with 10 men, as David Luiz evaded being sent off after just four minutes.
The Brazilian defender brought down Demba Ba as the Magpies striker was through on goal but referee Mike Dean only showed him a yellow card.
Dean then awarded Chelsea a 15th minute penalty when the lively Daniel Sturridge was tripped in the box by Yohan Cabaye.
However, the usually reliable Frank Lampard saw his spot kick saved by Tim Krul, who starred in the Newcastle net.
When the Dutchman was beaten, the post came to the Magpies' aid in the first half when Sturridge's strike rebounded off the woodwork.
Drogba gave Chelsea a deserved lead shortly before the break when he powerfully headed in Juan Mata's cross.
The home side fought back immediately, with Ba forcing Petr Cech into an excellent save when he flicked a cross goalwards.
Substitute Shola Ameobi hit the post in the second period as Newcastle rattled the woodwork three times, but late strikes from Kalou and Sturridge wrapped the result up for the London side.
Kalou converted into the bottom corner after a cut-back from Fernando Torres and Sturridge then completed the scoring when he curled in an injury-time effort.
Joe Fish
