Chelsea opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday with a 2-0 win at home to Newcastle United.

The Blues took the lead against the run of play at the end of the first half when Oscar tapped in from close range following a cross from Branislav Ivanovic.

Jose Mourinho's side then doubled their advantage on 59 minutes as Diego Costa turned in the box before firing past Tim Krul and into the bottom corner.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Stamford Bridge.

Match statistics

CHELSEA
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 63%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 13

NEWCASTLE
Shots: 11
On target: 5
Possession: 37%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 13

Was the result fair?

Chelsea made hard work of it, but they just about deserved to come away with the three points in the end. The Blues were poor in the first half before an improved second-half display saw them over the line against a determined Newcastle side.

Chelsea's performance

The league leaders were well below par during the opening half as they struggled to get any sort of a grip on the game. The passing was sluggish, there was little in the way of creativity and there was also a lack of urgency when going forward. The team's malaise was reflected in the crowd, who failed to provide a positive atmosphere inside the ground. However, they still managed to find themselves ahead at the break thanks to Oscar's goal. Jose Mourinho clearly had words with his players during the interval as they came out for the second period looking more lively, though they still failed to dazzle. The likes of Oscar, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa all became more involved, which eventually saw the hosts get the vital second goal. If anything, this was a victory of attrition.

Newcastle's performance

The Magpies gave an excellent account of themselves in the first half as they attacked Chelsea with little fear and plenty of confidence. Remy Cabella, Moussa Sissoko and Ayoze Perez all gave the home side lots to think about in the final third thanks to their pace, movement and smart link-up play. They could even have found themselves in the lead at half time had their finishing been better. They did not do that much differently in the second half, but it was Chelsea's more attack-minded approach that forced the visitors further and further back until they were pretty much camped inside their own half. Despite leaving the capital without anything to show for their efforts, caretaker manager John Carver will be proud of how his players fought hard against the title favourites.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Oscar: On a day when few players stood out, the Chelsea midfielder played a big part in his side's victory with an energetic performance that also saw him open the scoring. The Brazilian worked well alongside Hazard the more that the game wore on, with the pair linking brilliantly in the build-up to the second goal.

Biggest gaffe

Diego Costa could have opened the scoring early in the first half for Chelsea, but the striker unsuccessfully squared to a teammate instead of going for goal himself while in a good position. The Spaniard would have most likely found the net had he put his foot through it.

Referee performance

Roger East did a good job of allowing the game to flow, particularly in the first half when Newcastle looked more dangerous going forward. There was one penalty appeal that the official had to contend with, but he was right to not award a spot kick after the ball hit Fabricio Coloccini's arm from close range. That incident aside, there was little else that East had to get involved with.

What next?

Chelsea: The Blues continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with a trip to Swansea City.

Newcastle: The Magpies are back in Premier League action next Saturday when they entertain Southampton.