Teams:        

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Ivanovic; Lampard, Matic; Hazard/ Schürrle (85), Oscar, Willian/ Salah(78); Eto’o/ Ba(71).

Newcastle: Krul; Dummett, Taylor, Williamson, Debuchy/ Yanga-Mbiwa(39); Santon, Anita/ Marveaux(85); Ameobi, Sissoko, Ben Arfa/ Gosling(64); De Jong.

Chelsea earned a rare comfortable victory today against Newcastle, with two spectacular goals and one penalty from Hazard giving them a solid three-goal cushion. For Chelsea Eto’o, Willian, Matic and Cahill all put in good performances, with Hazard running the show with his slick passing, neat flicks and tidy finishes(all of which were taken on his first touch). The result may have been slightly unfair on Newcastle, though,who did create their own fair share of chances through Moussa Sissoko and Hatem Ben Arfa, but were unable to convert them, as most shots rolled placatingly into Cech’s grateful arms.

The game started well, with both teams pushing forward and looking to create chances whilst both were also well organised and energetic in defence. At about the twenty minute mark Chelsea really started to pressurise Newcastle and had several good chances before Hazard’s quick one-two with Ivanovic set him up for a brilliant curling finish into the bottom left corner.

A few minutes later there was arguably the most important point in the game as, after latching onto a great through ball, Sissoko was unable to beat Cech in a one-on-one confrontation. From the corner that ensued Chelsea broke away to score one of the goals of the season through Eden Hazard. Willian received the ball inside the defensive half and played the ball out wide to Hazard who jinked inside past Debuchy. The Belgian then passed to Eto’o who was able to return the ball to him with an exquisite backheel flick, so that Hazard could poke the ball into the far corner of the net. The winger completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, converting the spot-kick from 12 yards.

After that, the tempo of the game slowed down as Chelsea accepted three-nil victory. Chances from debutant Mohamed Salah and Sylvain Marveaux provided some entertainment, but by then the result had been decided. The result means Newcastle remain in eighth while Chelsea are now one point clear of Arsenal at the top of the league.

Mourinho may continue to play down Chelsea’s chances of winning the title, but the reality is it is an ambition now well within their reach.