Match Analysis: Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea

Newcastle United ended Chelsea's five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 win at St James' Park.

Despite the visitors dominating for much of the first half, Newcastle opened the scoring on 67 minutes when Yoan Gouffran headed in Yohan Cabaye's cross.

The points were then sealed late on thanks to Loic Remy's first-time finish past Petr Cech.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams on Tyneside.

Match statistics:

Newcastle: Shots 15 On target 8 Possession 39% Corners 3 Fouls 13

Chelsea: Shots 13 On target 2 Possession 61% Corners 8 Fouls 11

Was the result fair?

This was very much a game of two halves as Chelsea dominated the first before Newcastle came alive in the second. Both sides contributed to a thoroughly entertaining game that was played at a frantic pace, though it would not have been unfair if they both shared the spoils at the end of the 90 minutes.

Newcastle's performance

The Magpies underperformed during the opening 45 minutes, possibly as a result of playing 120 minutes against Manchester City in midweek. They struggled to keep hold of the ball and rarely made it into Chelsea's half. However, that all changed after the break as a couple of tactical changes from manager Alan Pardew gave them a new lease of life. Papiss Cisse and Vurnon Anita both came on to inject the hosts with a bit of urgency, resulting in the team's two goals.

Chelsea's performance

There was little that Jose Mourinho would have been unhappy with after the first half as his side controlled possession against a tired-looking Newcastle side. That said, they failed to make their dominance count and ultimately paid the price for it. It was a different story in the second half as Chelsea were, at times, overwhelmed by a resurgent Newcastle. The Blues had their feathers ruffled with one or two tasty challenges and were generally out-muscled on the ball. This match was firmly in their grasp, but they played a big part in their own downfall by being wasteful in the final third.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Vurnon Anita: He may have only been on the pitch for 40 minutes, but the Newcastle midfielder made all the difference in the second half. He was first to nearly every ball and gave his side a bit of desire when they needed it most.

Biggest gaffe

With the game goalless, Loic Remy had a glorious chance to put Newcastle ahead but could only fire straight at Petr Cech from six yards following Shola Ameobi's knockdown. Luckily for the Frenchman it mattered little come the final whistle.

Referee performance

Lee Mason was generous to Chelsea for much of the first half, giving them a handful of soft free kicks in what were tricky conditions. However, he allowed the game to flow much more after the break which made the game an enthralling end-to-end spectacle.

What next?

Newcastle: The Magpies continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea: The Blues return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Schalke 04 to Stamford Bridge in Group E.