Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle, by Amar Azam at Stamford Bridge

Another victory, but yet another less than impressive display from Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

The news over the PA system that title rivals Manchester City could only manage a draw in their match at Everton drew a huge cheer, but there is clear concern over the very real threat posed by the current champions.

For now, the gap is back to two points, but Chelsea’s players will need to work harder than they did against Newcastle if they are to convince their fans that the title will be theirs.

Mourinho again ducked out of media duties following this match due to his Football Association charge for misconduct, so it will be some time before we hear what he has to say.

However, it was clear from his twitchy pitch-side demeanour, especially before Oscar put Chelsea a goal up on 43 minutes, that he expects more from his players.

The opening goal came after Newcastle’s players switched off when Chelsea were awarded a corner kick. Oscar slammed home the ball after Branislav Ivanovic had found the Brazilian with a pass in the penalty area.

Up until then, Newcastle had stood firm, and even had chances to score. Winger Remy Cabella was in inspired form.

However, striker Diego Costa added a second in a well-worked move on 59 minutes as the home side ended Newcastle’s hopes of taking something from the match.

“We looked more like the Chelsea side people are used to seeing on a week-by-week basis,” said Mourinho assistant Steve Holland. “We had to show more personality with and without the ball in the second half. I think we got that.”

Newcastle caretaker manager John Carver, whose side put in a good first-half performance before fading after the interval, made no secret of his hopes of becoming Alan Pardew’s replacement as the Magpies’ boss. However, he revealed that he still needs to talk to club owner Mike Ashley.

“I haven’t had any conversation with Mike,” he said. “I’ve had a few conversations with (managing director) Lee Charnley but it’s all just been

about preparing the team for the next game.

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s asked me to do it for the Southampton game and he’ll get my 100 per cent.”

Chelsea travel to Swansea City this Saturday, with Newcastle welcoming Southampton.

The showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City comes at the end of the month.