Chelsea were denied a seventh straight win in all competitions and the chance to go above Arsenal at the top of the Premier League by Yoan Gouffran's header and a Loic Remy strike. Newcastle United responded to successive defeats with a famous and ground out victory. Magpies manager Alan Pardew kept faith with eight of the XI that forced Manchester City to extra time in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday. Top scorer Remy returned in attack to partner Shola Ameobi with Papiss Cisse making way. Davide Santon replaced Massadio Haidara at left back whilst Yohan Cabay started instead of Vurnon Anita in midfield. Hatem Ben Arfa only made the bench. Jose Mourinho made nine changes from midweek when his impressive second string proved too strong for Arsenal. David Luiz and Juan Mata, who impressed in their respective roles then, kept their places. Key Blues spine members Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres all returned after being rested. Early Chelsea avenues were shut off by their energetic hosts, but Newcastle were a crossbar's width away from conceding the opener inside 15 minutes. Terry met Mata's corner and nodded against the woodwork. Branislav Ivanovic then saw the rebound also deflected onto the top of the bar. This containing job by the Toon continued as what little possession they enjoyed on their own turf was quickly squandered. Mourinho's supporting cast of Oscar, Mata and Eden Hazard linked up well, but found no way past a resolute defence. Mata did go down in the box under Mathieu Debuchy's challenge, but there was no appeal and referee Lee Mason waved play on. Blues captain Terry then threatened again from a set piece later in the first half. This time Lampard provided the corner kick, but Santon cleared this effort off the line with a diving header. Newcastle swiftly countered, but Moussa Sissoko shot tamely through Ramires's legs at Cech. Pardew's plan of frustrating Chelsea got the Magpies through to half time, but the hosts then lost stand-in skipper Cheick Tiote to what appeared to be a thigh problem. Click on next below for the second half and match stats...
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
