Newcastle United inflicted a first defeat of the season on Chelsea this afternoon, running out 2-1 victors at St James' Park.

Both of the hosts' goals came from second-half substitute Papiss Cisse, who gave his side a 2-0 lead before Steven Taylor was sent off.

Chelsea applied heavy pressure in the closing stages and pulled a goal back through Didier Drogba, but they could not find an equaliser to keep their unbeaten start to the campaign intact.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether Newcastle were worthy of their memorable victory.

Match statistics

NEWCASTLE
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 34%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 8

CHELSEA
Shots: 26
On target: 8
Possession: 66%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 6

Was the result fair?

Looking at the statistics, you'd have to say that Newcastle were fortunate to come away with all three points this afternoon. They had less of the ball and fewer shots than Chelsea, who piled the pressure on in the closing stages to no avail. However, it was a battling performance from the hosts, and it is hard to begrudge them the victory.

During the first half it appeared as though Chelsea were the more dangerous of the two sides on the break, but as it turned out it was Newcastle who countered to the greatest effect. Both of their goals came within a minute of Chelsea missing a good chance at the other end so, had those incidents gone a little differently, we'd be talking about another Chelsea victory right now.

Such are the fine margins in football, though, and on this occasion the crucial moments in the match went the way of Newcastle. In terms of chances created and general play, Chelsea certainly deserved something from this game, but the hosts showed great resilience to dig in for the win.

Newcastle's performance

It took Newcastle a little while to get settled in this match, but once they did they were very impressive. They were the better side for the final 15 minutes of the first half and actually created the best chance of the opening period. They more than held their own against the might of Chelsea, even if they were largely limited to counter-attacks in the second half.

Defensively, it was a superb performance. The likes of Eden Hazard and Willian were perhaps afforded a little too much space in the opening half-hour, but from then on they struggled to have an impact. Diego Costa was anonymous for long spells, and it was only when Drogba came on that the hosts really began to look uncomfortable at the back.

They still managed to hang on for the victory, however, and they showed such grit and determination to do so. The pressure was relentless in the closing stages but, despite being reduced to 10 men, they managed to hold out. It was a hard-working and effective performance from the hosts, and Alan Pardew will rightly be proud of his side.

Chelsea's performance

Jose Mourinho said before the game that going the season unbeaten was impossible, and this is exactly why. However impressive Chelsea have been so far this term, there is always the possibility of a day like today, when they were far short of their best. They looked a different side to the one that ruthlessly despatched of Tottenham Hotspur last time out, with a noticeable lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Their task wasn't helped by a stubborn Newcastle defensive performance, but they must expect opponents to pile men behind the ball against them. Hazard and Willian showed glimpses of a way through, but on the whole they had no answer for Newcastle's defensive organisation. They did get joy when Drogba came on, but it was too little too late in the end.

That is now two below-par performances in the North-East in the space of a week, and such displays have people questioning whether this really will be a title procession for Chelsea. Manchester City have the chance to cut the gap down to three points later today, and then the pressure would really be on Mourinho. His side are still favourites, but they can't afford too many days like this.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Papiss Cisse: A number of Newcastle players could lay claim to this award, but it goes to the man who ultimately won them the game. It was something of a surprise to see Cisse omitted from the starting lineup following his equaliser against Burnley last time out, but he certainly made up for lost time when coming on as a sub. Both of his goals were simple finishes, but he got into the positions to score them, while at the other end Costa didn't.

Biggest gaffe

Steven Taylor made a number of important contributions this afternoon, but his second yellow card put his side under huge pressure in the closing stages. It was a rash, poorly-timed challenge and he could have no complaints at being shown the red card. Newcastle just about managed to hold on, but it may have been a little more comfortable with Taylor on the field.

Referee performance

Martin Atkinson had a good game this afternoon. The red card was a blatant one, while the referee also played a very good advantage in the build-up to Newcastle's second goal. The six minutes of added time was a little suspect, but other than that it was a good performance from the official.

What next?

Newcastle: They will be full of confidence, but things don't get much easier for Newcastle as they travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal next Saturday.

Chelsea: Chelsea, meanwhile, are back in European action as they host Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.