Newcastle 2-0

Independent:

Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0
Oscar and Diego Costa help Blues weather storm to take advantage of Manchester City slip
Glenn Moore

Those players took a while to find their master’s voice, but eventually delivered a statement of intent as, with Manchester City held, Chelsea moved two points clear at the Premier League summit.
Outplayed for the first 40 minutes Chelsea won at a canter, goals from Oscar and Costa killing off the game with half an hour to spare.
As pleasing for Mourinho will have been the clean sheet, Chelsea having shipped five goals at White Hart Lane in their last top flight outing. There was one intriguing change to the outfield from the team humbled at Tottenham: Gary Cahill was replaced by Kurt Zouma who made his first Premier League start. Zouma may have the name and physique of a support actor in a Jean-Claude Van Damme film, but increasingly looks a very competent centre-half.
Assistant coach Steve Holland, who was deputed by Mourinho to undertake his media duties, insisted Cahill, whose form has dipped, had not been dropped. He said: “We play for nine months and are on course to play 60-odd matches. Gary played every game over the Holiday period [five in 14 days]. The club get a lot of stick for not giving young players a go, but the manager showed faith in Kurt and he was immaculate.”
In the first half it looked as if Mourinho had omitted the wrong centre-half as John Terry was made to look uncomfortable as the visitors emerged the sharper. The inspiration was Remy Cabella who metamorphised into a latter-day Jimmy Johnstone, jinking past Chelsea defenders at will. He cut in from the left in the 18th minute, weaving past opponents then curving a shot towards the far post. Terry managed to get a leg to it, and was pleased to see the ball deflect for a corner.
Two minutes later Cabella tricked past a brace in the inside-right channel only to be felled by Branislav Ivanovic. Yoan Gouffran’s thunderous free-kick was parried by Petr Cech (who had replaced Thibaut Courtois as the Belgian had a hand injury). Chelsea countered but after Eden Hazard set up Costa the striker unexpectedly attempted to return the pass enabling Jack Colback to clear.
Cabella continued to look inspired and ghosted past Terry in the 32nd minute before bringing a fine save from Cech. Moussa Sissoko was next to square up and glide by the Chelsea skipper. His shot thumped against the outside of the post.
There was a sense that Newcastle would rue the missed chances. So it proved. Two minutes from the break Fabricio Coloccini gave away a corner. With the centre-half still out of position Willian took the kick quickly finding Ivanovic who cut back for Oscar. His precise shot beat the double Dutch combination of Daryl Janmaat and Tim Krul on the line.
“The players switched off,” said Newcastle caretaker manager John Carver, “but when you play top players they do seem to think a bit quicker and will punish you.”
The teams headed into one of those odd half-time breaks in which the leading team gets the hairdryer. “Jose was very clear to the players what he wanted them to do,” said Holland. He wanted greater urgency with Newcastle being pressed higher up the pitch and more assertiveness in possession.
Chelsea might soon have had a penalty when Costa’s cross struck Coloccini’s arm. The referee disagreed, even after Chelsea surrounded him. Holland was loathe to pursue the issue given his boss’s impending hearing, but made it clear Chelsea felt it should have been a penalty.
Just before the hour Costa made the debate academic, clinically finishing after Hazard and Oscar sublimely combined. Costa would have struck again but for a 67th-minute challenge by Vurnon Anita, then a 79th-minute clearance by Coloccini, but with Newcastle spent the two-goal cushion was ample.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta (Felip Luis, 37); Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar (Ramires, 78), Hazard; Costa (Remy, 84).
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Krul; Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett; Anita, Colback, Cabella, Gouffran (Ameobi, 61); Sissoko (Riviere, 84); Perez.

Referee: Roger East.
Man of the match: Fabregas (Chelsea)
Match rating: 7

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Observer:

Diego Costa adds gloss to a sluggish Chelsea win against Newcastle United
Jacob Steinberg

As Chelsea’s players walked down the tunnel at the end of this occasionally jittery but ultimately comfortable victory against Newcastle United, Stamford Bridge reverberated to cheers as news of Manchester City’s draw at Everton came over the PA. There is daylight between Chelsea and their closest rivals once more and, though José Mourinho was dissatisfied with some aspects of his side’s performance, the bottom line is that they are two points clear of City and the title is still theirs to lose.
If City were hoping that Chelsea’s debacle against Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day would spark a crisis in west London, they were sorely mistaken.
Newcastle were certainly troublesome opponents in the first half and John Carver, their caretaker manager, did not shy away from acclaiming his chances of being appointed on a permanent basis, but the result was never in doubt once Oscar calmed Chelsea’s nerves shortly before half-time. The best sides win when they are not playing well, whereas Newcastle played well but lost for the sixth time in their past eight matches.
Mourinho was not happy with Chelsea’s lethargy before Oscar’s goal, although he left it up to his assistant, Steve Holland, to reveal that some constructive criticism was dealt out during the interval. The Football Association’s decision to charge Mourinho with misconduct following his comments about a campaign against Chelsea means that we might not hear from him much in the next few weeks. “José was very clear with what he wanted them to improve, and the players did that,” Holland said. “He wanted the team to play further up the pitch and be more aggressive and assertive.”
Mourinho’s assessment was as accurate as ever. Chelsea’s aura of invincibility has received a few too many dents for his liking in recent weeks and it was strange to see them outplayed by Newcastle during a first half when the men in blue shirts seemed allergic to keeping the ball.
Chelsea were fortunate that Newcastle were not more ruthless and that Petr Cech, who was making a rare start in goal because of Thibaut Courtois’s thumb injury, showed no signs of any rust. The expectation was that Newcastle would be on the end of a fearsome backlash from Chelsea, but Cech was forced to remind us of his outstanding qualities more often than Mourinho would have anticipated.
Newcastle were inspired by the memory of their victory against Chelsea at St James’ Park last month and they did not sit back. Instead, driven on by the surges from midfield of Moussa Sissoko and the impish dribbling of Rémy Cabella, they were adventurous and dominant for long spells, despite being deprived of several key players because of injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Yoan Gouffran’s firm free-kick was beaten away by Cech, Sissoko crashed a shot against the outside of the post after skipping past John Terry with surprising ease and the Chelsea captain also hung out a leg to deflect Cabella’s curling shot just past the left post.
Cabella’s quick feet, daring and ability to ghost past defenders made him Newcastle’s biggest threat and he had their clearest chance. Eden Hazard lost possession and the ball broke to Cabella, who drifted past Terry and then curled a shot towards the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.
Cech was a sizeable obstacle, but he was not being afforded much protection from his defence. Gary Cahill paid the price for his part in that 5-3 defeat at Tottenham and was replaced by Kurt Zouma, but Chelsea were still unusually open, and their problems increased when César Azpilicueta limped off with a groin injury.
Carver was reflecting on the effectiveness of his gameplan at that point and he must have been encouraged to see Mourinho lose his temper with Diego Costa for his lack of movement as a pass from Cesc Fàbregas sailed out of play.
There were flashes from Chelsea, however, such as a volley from Oscar that looped wide, and Newcastle’s failure to take their chances made them vulnerable.
The disappointment for Newcastle was that Oscar’s goal was so avoidable. They were not alive to the danger when Chelsea won a corner on the right and Willian quickly tapped it to Branislav Ivanovic, who laid the ball on a plate for Oscar at the far post.
Chelsea were liberated after the goal, playing with greater freedom and authority, and Costa doubled their lead when he finished off a stunning move in the 59th minute. The ball was in the air when Oscar backheeled Hazard’s pass into Costa’s path and he drilled a low shot past the Newcastle goalkeeper, Tim Krul, to score his 15th goal of the season and secure Chelsea’s 10th consecutive league victory at home.
The groans that had been audible from the Chelsea fans in the first half were replaced by triumphant chants about being top of the league, long before Roger East’s final whistle.

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Telegraph:

Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 0 match report: Diego Costa keeps Blues flying high at the top
Oscar also strikes as Jose Mourinho's side go two points clear
Jason Burt

A tenth straight home win for Chelsea but this was not as simple as A, B, C for Jose Mourinho’s side even if, with Manchester City drawing, it meant they are no longer on top of the Premier League only by virtue of alphabetical order.
The gap has been extended to two points with City the next league visitors to Stamford Bridge at the end of this month. By then, hopefully, Mourinho will have ended his self-imposed media silence.
That imposition has come as a result of the Football Association misconduct charge Mourinho faces for claiming there is a “campaign” to influence refereeing decisions against Chelsea.
Mourinho did not share his thoughts on this encounter – but then he did not have to. His touchline demeanour said it all. The Chelsea manager was clearly less than enamoured with his side’s first-half performance against Newcastle United who arrived without a manager, out of the cups and apparently with little to play for now this season, but who took the game to the title favourites.
John Carver, the caretaker, has now overseen three matches and not gained a victory but this was by far the most encouraging of the performances.
Inevitably he does not know what the future holds for him. Carver has thrown his hat in the ring to become the new head coach but as yet has not spoken to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley. Instead Carver has been told to soldier on by managing director Lee Charnley and hopes to earn one more chance to stake his claim with next Saturday’s fixture at home to Southampton.
Newcastle’s ambitions this campaign – every campaign their fans might say – may well be limited but they have to end any sense of drift. “I’ve no idea when they will make a decision but if the guys play like that then hopefully they will make the right decision,” Carver said (i.e. 'give me the job’).
Carver eked out probably Remy Cabella’s best performance for Newcastle with the 5ft 7in former Montpellier midfielder the most eye-catching player of the opening half-hour.
Twice Cabella breezed past John Terry as if he was not there and forced a fine low save by Petr Cech – in goal as Thibaut Courtois had damaged his thumb in the 5-3 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur.
That loss clearly appeared to have affected Chelsea and, possibly, also cost Gary Cahill his place – given the torrid evening he was given by Harry Kane – although this was denied by assistant manager Steve Holland.
It was 20-year-old Kurt Zouma who partnered Terry in the heart of the defence and this, Holland said, was because of Chelsea’s heavy fixture schedule.
Nevertheless, Chelsea should have fallen behind when Newcastle broke once more and Moussa Sissoko, coveted by other clubs, ran down the left. Again it was Terry who was easily evaded, and the midfielder’s fierce rising drive cannoned off the angle of post and crossbar.
So what did Mourinho say at half-time?
“The manager reminded one or two of them of what was required,” Holland said. “What was his mood? Normal. He’s a highly experienced manager who knows what to say and when to say it.” That mood may have been lifted slightly – ever so slightly – because Chelsea undeservedly had taken the lead by then. It owed everything to Willian’s quick thinking and a lack of game management from Newcastle.
A corner was conceded but the ball only trickled out of play, rather than being sent to 'Row Z’. Willian was able to take a quick corner to pick out the run of Branislav Ivanovic who swept the ball across goal. There was Oscar, who had struggled up until that point, to side-foot it into the net off the boot of Tim Krul who had returned to the Newcastle goal after 10 games out through injury.
Would there be another penalty controversy? Chelsea were incensed not to be awarded a spot-kick by referee Roger East when Diego Costa’s cross struck Fabricio Coloccini, from close-range, on the arm. So incensed – with Cesc Fabregas, who had a running dialogue with the referee, leading the protests – that Mourinho sent his assistant Rui Faria down the tunnel to check the replays so he could berate the fourth official Michael Jones.
Newcastle had their complaints too, not least when Nemanja Matic caught Cabella in the throat. “Overzealous,” was Carver’s summary. “He [Cabella] is only six stone soaking wet and I was a bit concerned with him when he went down,” he added.
Chelsea were soothed by a sumptuous second goal. It was started and finished by Costa with Oscar eventually delivering a wonderful back-heeled flick to the striker who ran along the goal to shoot low back across Krul to claim his 15th league strike of the season – one ahead of Sergio Agüero.
Later Costa, by now energised, threatening, hungry for more, exercised the same move to again beat Krul – only for Coloccini to stretch and divert the ball over the crossbar.
“Listen, we took the game to Chelsea in the first-half and I have been involved in this club and other clubs that have come here and that’s one of the most positive performances I have seen coming to Stamford Bridge,” Carver claimed. His argument was sound. But Newcastle were still easily beaten as Chelsea regained their stride and with it a clear lead in the Premier League.

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Times:

Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0: Chelsea clear at the top
David Walsh
      
PERHAPS it is on days such as this that titles are won. Average performance, but the right result and achieved with hardly a ripple on the stress scale. Then, to make the day better, your nearest rivals drop two points, leaving you alone at the top.
Even Jose Moan-inho wasn’t complaining yesterday. We know that from Steve Holland, who did the talking afterwards while the Special One continued his self-imposed public-speaking ban. He is facing an FA charge over comments about a “campaign against Chelsea” and so is denying us his charisma and post-match charm.
We will survive and he will grow tired of not hearing his own voice, and post-match Stamford Bridge will be livelier for his return. Holland said he thought the referee Roger East had a good game, which means his boss was also happy. To East’s credit, he wasn’t much swayed by Chelsea’s recent calls for better treatment from match officials. He didn’t give them much and didn’t afford Eden Hazard the protection that, according to Mourinho and Holland, is needed to save his career.
Daryl Janmaat, the Dutch full-back, made a couple of old-fashioned tackles and for a time in the first half, Hazard began to see the 50-50 ball as a lost cause. That was when Newcastle were impressive and their attacking midfielder Remy Cabella was the best player on the pitch.
Cabella cost Newcastle an estimated £7m from Montpellier and he is so slight you feared the wind might blow him over here. Not a bit of it. During the first half he went past Chelsea defenders like they were lamp posts.
John Carver, the Magpies’ caretaker manager, singled him out for praise. “I thought he was outstanding,” he said.
“He is a player who can bring Newcastle fans to the edge of their seats, I know he had me on the edge of mine.”
Newcastle had half-chances during a first half in which they were the better side. Petr Cech saved well from Cabella, Moussa Sissoko struck a fierce shot that ricocheted wide off the post and Cech was happy to block Yoan Gouffran’s free kick. The last thing Newcastle needed was to give away a goal before half-time, which was precisely what they did.
Fabricio Coloccini conceded a corner, Branislav Ivanovic saw an opportunity and sprinted towards the byline, and Willian picked him out with a quickly taken corner. Ivanovic crossed, Newcastle were at sixes and sevens and No 8 Oscar scored. Two minutes before the interval, you felt the game had been decided.
Unluckily for his players yesterday, Mourinho’s silence is confined to media duties. According to Holland, he had some harsh things to say at the interval and didn’t mind naming the two players he felt weren’t performing. You’d guess the targets were Oscar and Hazard, the former misplaced a lot of passes while the latter hadn’t warmed to the challenge Janmaat offered.
All that changed in the second half and Chelsea’s mostly humdrum performance was rescued by a goal of pure class. Hazard dinked a neat ball through to Oscar and, as three defenders moved towards the Brazilian, he executed a clever flick to turn the ball back to Diego Costa.
It gave the big man more time than he needs and, moving the ball to his right, he rifled a shot into the left corner. He stood with his arms in the air and then remembered the brilliance of the flick, going to Oscar and wrapping his big arms around him to tell us where the credit should go.
One final point worth making. Gary Cahill was on the bench yesterday, 20-year-old Kurt Zouma in his place. Zouma had an excellent game and was probably Chelsea’s best defender. “He was immaculate today,” said Holland, and from that you knew the Special One was pleased with the young one.

Star man: Remy Cabella (Newcastle)

Chelsea: Cech 6, Ivanovic 7, Zouma 7, Terry 6, Azpilicueta 5 (Luiz 37min, 5), Fabregas 6, Matic 7, Willian 6, Oscar 7 (Ramires 79min, 6), Hazard 6, Costa 7 (Remy 84min, 6)
Newcastle: Krul 6, Janmaat 6, Coloccini 5, Williamson 6, Dummett 6, Colback 7, Anita 7, Cabella 7, Sissoko 6 (Riviere 84min, 6), Gouffran 6 (Ameobi 63min, 6), Perez 4

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Mail:

Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle: Jose Mourinho watches Oscar and Diego Costa complete comfortable win against John Carver's Magpies
By Rob Draper

They were not scintillating, though Eden Hazard’s chipped pass and Oscar’s flick for Diego Costa’s goal will bear multiple replays. At times, however, Newcastle stretched them and even bettered them.
Yet while Manchester City were dropping points against Everton, Chelsea were ruthlessly exploiting mistakes. Sterner tests lie ahead but this is a Newcastle team who beat them a month ago, so this victory was an important step on the way to proving their resilience.
Mourinho was again not speaking publicly, his FA charge given as the reason, so it was left to his assistant Steve Holland to explain how the improvement had been obtained at half time. ‘Jose was very clear to the players what he wanted from them to improve and the players did that, they responded very well,’ he said.
‘Jose wanted the team to press further up the pitch and to be mentally more aggressive and assertive with or without the ball and to play at a quicker tempo and they did that.’
This may be John Carver’s last match in charge — a draw and two defeats hardly represents compelling credentials since Alan Pardew’s departure — with Remi Garde in discussion with the club, but at least his side went down fighting after the debacle of last Saturday’s FA Cup defeat when they were booed by their own fans.
And if Garde is to be installed he will at least find a compatriot who finally appears up for the fight. Remy Cabella had made 21 appearances for Newcastle prior to this game and, for £12million, he has produced zero goals thus far. And yet, in the first half, he was unrecognisable.
John Terry suffered but so too did Cesar Azipilicueta, with two of the most consistent defenders so far this season made to look ordinary. The Spaniard was withdrawn in the 37th minute because of a groin injury but Cabella had already made it a sufficiently miserable afternoon for the left back to be grateful for small mercies.
Cabella had slalomed his way past three players in the 20th minute with a burst of pace unseen so far and Terry deflected his shot wide; later he would skip past Terry and only a fine save from Petr Cech prevented him opening the scoring.
‘He has been a little bit frustrating but I think he showed his value today,’ said Carver. ‘He was outstanding in possession and every time he tried to break, someone was clipping him to stop his momentum. He added the other side of the game, which was hard work.
‘He has now set a standard and I told him in front of everybody, “It’s no good you just doing that on a one-off. If you’re not prepared to do it every week, you’ll be sitting with me and Stoney [Steve Stone] on the bench”. But if he performs like that he could get our fans on the edge of the seat —because he had me on the edge of mine today.’
Cabella even survived a strong arm in the face from Nemanja Matic in the 71st minute, which saw a yellow card for the Serbian but which might have been red.
And it was not just Cabella. Cech, deputising for Thibaut Courtois, who has an injured thumb but was deemed fit enough for the bench, had to save smartly from Yoan Gouffran’s 22nd-minute free-kick, while Moussa Sissoko cut inside with Terry again exposed and hit a shot that struck the post

So it was all the more galling for Carver’s team when Chelsea, having threatened very little, were presented with a chance to take the lead. Willian was the opportunist, taking a quick short corner which out-witted Coloccini and found Branislav Ivanovic. With Newcastle unprepared, it was a relatively easy task for the Bulgarian to find Oscar at the far post for a simple finish in the 43rd minute.
‘It was very frustrating — just before half-time we switched off, like we did against Leicester,’ said Carver. ‘I made a big point of it and it happened again.’
It was enough to give Chelsea the foundation they needed. They started the second half with an intent and incisiveness which had been missing in the opening 45 minutes. And for those who enjoy the conspiracy theory, there was fuel to fire Mourinho’s talk of a campaign when Costa crossed the ball 10 minutes into the restart only for Coloccini’s out-stretched hand to prevent it reaching danger. It was a penalty and Costa and Cesc Fabregas protested furiously.
There was no lingering sense of injustice, however, as within four minutes Chelsea had extended their lead. Hazard had Newcastle mesmerised as he chipped a ball in for Oscar. The Brazilian executed an exquisite flick back to Costa, who cut inside to score his 15th goal of the season. ‘That was much more like the Chelsea the supporters would be used to,’ said Holland.
Costa might have made it 3-0 in the 79th minute, beating each member of Newcastle’s back four before allowing his wayward shot to be deflected wide by Coloccini.
Chelsea may not invincible this season, as Newcastle proved but a month ago. But give them a break and you are unlikely to recover.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech 7; Ivanovic 6.5, Zouma 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 6 (Filipe Luis 37 6); Matic 6, Fabregas 6; Willian 6.5, Oscar 7.5 (Ramires 78), Hazard 6.5; Costa 6.5 (Remy 84).
Subs not used: Courtois, Cahill, Mikel, Drogba.
Goals: Oscar 43, Costa 59
Booked: Matic, Oscar
Manager: Jose Mourinho 7

Newcastle (4-3-3): Krul 6; Janmaat 6, Coloccini 6, Williamson 6, Dummett 6; Sissoko 6.5 (Riviere 84), Anita 6, Colback 6; Cabella 7 Perez 5.5, Gouffran 6 (Ameobi 63 6).
Subs not used: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Vuckic, Satko.
Booked: Williamson, Colback, Dummett
Manager: John Carver (caretaker) 5.5
Referee: Roger East 6
Star man: Oscar

Attendance: 41,612

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Mirror:

Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle: Oscar and Costa give below-par Blues an important win over Magpies
Neil McLeman
The Blues were a long way from their best but managed to get their revenge for their November loss at St James' Park

Oscar finally inspired slow-starting Chelsea to victory at Stamford Bridgeafter Newcastle dominated the first half.
And this win could prove a vital turning point in the title race as Jose Mourinho's side re-opened a two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
Alan Pardew's side inflicted the first defeat of the season at St James' Park last month.
And John Carver's team should have been leading at the break but failed to take their chances
During their ascendancy, Yoan Gouffran drilled a free kick straight at Petr Cech while Remy Cabella was denied his first Toon goal by a good low save from the recalled Chelsea keeper.
And Moussa Sissoko missed the best chance when he shot against the outside of the post.
One dazzling run from Cabella saw Cesar Azpilicueta to miss a tackle and suffer an injury which caused the full-back to be replaced.
Jose Mourinho was furious with his team in the early stages, with his anger directed especially at Diego Costa and Oscar.
But after 43 minutes, this game changed with a brilliant piece of quick thinking from Willian.
When Chelsea won a corner, the Brazilian immediately passed to Branislav Ivanovic who crossed for Oscar to side-foot home at the far post.
Then in the 59th minute, Oscar conjured a audacious flick to set up Costa for his 15th goal of the season.
Despite the introduction of the lively Sammy Ameobi, the game fizzled out, especially when Costa was replaced after 84 minutes.
The Blues maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Barclays Premier League this term while Mourinho continues his perfect home record against Newcastle.
For Carver, his record now reads played two, lost two - hardly convincing evidence he should get the job on a full-time basis.

Teams
◦Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta (Filipe Luis, 37'), Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar (Ramires, 79'), Hazard, Costa (Remy, 84')
◦Newcastle: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett, Sissoko (Riviere, 84'), Anita, Colback, Cabella, Perez, Gouffran (Ameobi, 63')

Next three Premier League games:
◦Chelsea: Swansea (A), Man City (H), Aston Villa (A)
◦Newcastle: Man United (H), Stoke (A), Southampton (H)

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Express:

Chelsea 2 - Newcastle 0: Mourinho's men open up two-point lead over Manchester City

Jim Holden

Jose Mourinho doesn't smile too much these days, always on the hunt for conspiracies and demons in the maelstrom of English football.
He declined to speak again yesterday, remaining in an almighty huff about another FA charge of improper conduct for questioning the integrity of refereeing decisions.
Surely, though, the Chelsea manager left Stamford Bridge with more than a little satisfaction yesterday evening as his team shrugged off a woeful start to claim a win of routine vigour and stride two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Well-worked goals from Oscar and Diego Costa crushed the hopes of a Newcastle side that played with panache and purpose in the opening half but faded badly after the break.
In deep mid-winter, these are the kind of victories that managers covet.
No team, however good, however talented, and Chelsea can be scintillating, will stay at peak form all the time.
Efficiency on such afternoons is the requirement, and that is what Mourinho has long been a master of. His men tend to get the job done.
They did here after chasing shadows for much of the opening period as Newcastle impressed under the watchful eye of caretaker boss John Carver. The only conspiracy here was one by the Chelsea players --- against themselves.
They were second to every ball, bereft of imagination, and grateful for a couple of fine saves by stand-in goalkeeper Petr Cech to keep out shots from Remy Cabella who appeared able to jink and weave past Chelsea defenders at will.
When Moussa Sissoko rattled the post with a fierce shot in the 36th minute, the disgust of Mourinho on the touchline was raised another notch.
By half-time, though, Chelsea had stolen the lead with a goal created by bright minds. Willian took an instant corner and Branislav Ivanovic crossed low for Oscar to steer home at the far post with Newcastle's defence still dozing.
The game was won in that moment of ingenuity.
Until then Chelsea striker Diego Costa had been thoroughly out of sorts; the kind of day when the ball kept bouncing off his shins.
Suddenly, he was a rampant threat, and scored Chelsea's second goal with ruthless precision in the 58th minute with a chance created by a clever flick from Oscar.
Another superb run past three defenders put Costa clear in the penalty box, but his shot was brilliantly diverted over the bar by Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini. This was wonderful play all round.
Chelsea cruised to the final whistle, at last showing a few glimpses of the gorgeous football they have served up at times this season. The inter-play of Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard was a delight, but also merely an adornment yesterday.
As for the supposed conspiracy of officialdom against Mourinho and his men?
Well, they were happy enough yesterday when referee Roger East showed leniency in brandishing only a yellow card to Nemanja Matic for a fierce challenge on Cabella that might have been a red card on another day.
Newcastle barely mustered a shot in the second half, but Carver preferred to focus on the first half fizz, saying: "I was proud of the positive way they played.
"I don't know when a decision on the full-time manager will be made, but if they keep playing like that, hopefully the club will make the right decision!"

CHELSEA: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta (Luis 37th); Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar (Ramires 78th), Hazard; Costa (Remy 83rd).
NEWCASTLE: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Anita, Colback; Cabella, Sissoko (Riviere 84th), Gouffran (Ameobi 61st); Perez.
Referee: R East.

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Star:

Chelsea 2 - Newcastle 0: Blues go two points clear with win over managerless Toon
Paul Hetherington

But what more would you expect after Jose Mourinho led a Blues delegation to the House of Lords three days earlier to discuss the work done by Chelsea's Foundation and their academy?
And back on the pitch yesterday they avenged their defeat at Newcastle five weeks ago with goals from Oscar and crowd-hero Diego Costa, who notched his 15th of the season.
So it was business as usual for Chelsea after their shock 5-3 defeat at Tottenham in their last league match.
And that despite Newcastle making the brighter start on a day when Mourinho left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and centre-back Gary Cahill on the bench.
Perhaps the Chelsea boss was making a point after those five goals conceded at Tottenham, although the Blues claimed Courtois had a slight thumb injury.
Petr Cech, in the absence of Courtois, made early saves from Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran.
John Terry, magnificent in the early stages when Chelsea needed their captain to be an inspiration, also deflected a Remy Cabella effort just wide.
When Chelsea did get going, Jack Colback rescued Newcastle with a vital interception.
Then Oscar drove wide from an inviting position.
But before half-time, Cech made an outstanding save from the lively Cabella and Sissoko hit the outside of the post after going past Terry.
So it was against the run of play when Chelsea took the lead in the 43rd minute.
Newcastle were caught out by a quickly-taken Willian corner on the right.
The Brazilian rolled the ball to Branislav Ivanovic, who crossed low for Oscar to drive home at the far post, despite the efforts of Daryl Janmaat and Tim Kul to keep the ball out.
Krul, back after a six-week absence with an ankle injury, prevented Chelsea scoring again before the break, when he kept out a Willian free-kick.
Chelsea were denied a clear penalty for handball against Fabricio Coloccini before Costa increased their lead on the hour.
A neat build-up led to Oscar setting up Costa for a low right-foot finish to add to his impressive scoring streak.
Chelsea dominated the second period but they were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men when Nemanja Matic received only a yellow card for what was almost a forearm smash on Cabella.
Costa, after a brilliant run, looked like making it 3-0, but his shot was sliced over his own bar by Coloccini.