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Chelsea registered their fifth successive win in all competitions against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, courtesy a well-drilled effort from Marcos Alonso. The win not only saw them jump into the top four, but also ensured their second clean sheet of the season.
The Blues, who have been in flying form in terms of their activity down the sharp end of the pitch, showed immense character in churning out a crucial win against a side that left them reeling for creativity at times.
For the first time ever in his brief managerial career, Frank Lampard has mustered five victories in a row. Ahead of a busy round of fixtures, it was important for the West Londoners to resume their campaign with a win.
As far as Steve Bruce's side were concerned, they put in the shift a lot of us expected. Sheer tactical defending off the ball, coupled with brave challenges and interceptions appeared to have knocked the Blues off their perch, but Alonso had other ideas as he netted his first goal since April.
On that note, we analyse the major five talking points from Chelsea's important victory against Newcastle United.
#5 Chelsea boss possession but remain out of ideas in the early stages
The game began in scrappy fashion, with players of both sides going to ground often. However, it took no time for Newcastle to set themselves up in shape and allow Chelsea to come at them.
The opening exchanges of the game saw the hosts enjoying a lot of the ball, racking up passes to all corners and shifting the ball from side to side. There was barely anything to show apart from the lion's share of the ball.
A quick interplay had Callum Hudson-Odoi in a dangerous position down the left, and he teed it up for Mason Mount. The latter turned and shot on target, but straight at Martin Dubravka.
Besides, a half chance for Newcastle and a break away was all that unfolded in a tight first 45 minutes.
#4 Newcastle had their tactics sorted out well
Newcastle United are hovering over the drop zone narrowly, despite the boosting 1-0 victory over Manchester United a fortnight ago. This time as well, their defensive game plan panned out pretty impressively for a majority of the game.
They sucked the creative and direct approach of Chelsea by manning their positions dutifully, swaying from left to right of the pitch in numbers and maintaining a solid structure just ahead of the 18-yard box.
More so, they denied Chelsea any sort of counter-attacking opportunity until about the 70th minute when Willian broke away with a jinking run in between the Longstaff brothers. Neither were Chelsea handed the space in the channels nor were the likes of Jorginho and the center backs allowed to play anything over the top.
Spaces were crammed and suffocated and that only proved Newcastle would rely on their three center-halves if they stand a chance to maintain their top flight status.
The likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark were simply outstanding on the day, physically casting their presence over the wingers and man-marking them to near perfection. Besides, they were extremely brave and decisive while lunging into loose balls.
#3 Jorginho is simply putting every single doubter to bed
Football is all about mentality at times. The best of the lot falter due to mental frailties and feeble mindsets, but Jorginho is certainly not one of them.
He arrived last season just hours after the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and straightaway displaced the world-class N'Golo Kante off his position. Lack of creativity in a static midfield base along with a drop in intensity and physical prowess saw him face a lot of scorn.
But, he never put his head down. The midfielder has certainly shown he's got the nerves of steel, and here we are, with Chelsea fans absolutely chanting his name time and time again.
Leaving all the romanticism behind his road to redemption, it's important to note that the midfield metronome was perhaps, the best player on the evening once again. He picked sublime passes and sprayed them with utmost ease and perfection throughout.
What Jorginho does ever so well is play to his strengths, use his body well and inject progression into proceedings his own way. He's a tactical genius as well, especially when he's got to set the side up or march orders.
He's growing in confidence, as seen with the energy, work rate, timely interceptions and recoveries. The way he picks passes and through balls and creates big chances is simply superb.
Once Kante returns to this side after having overcome minor niggles and strains, this partnership could well and truly resemble what the former Leicester City man shared with Danny Drinkwater.
#2 Chelsea finally break the deadlock as Marcos Alonso gets his goal
He's had his fair share of problems within a back four and with regards to his lack of pace while drifting down the flank. But, no one can take away the fact that Marcos Alonso has got a venomous left foot.
He's done it before from free kicks and he's highly capable of hitting the target from promising positions, an ability hardly seen in a left back. He struggled at times and was on the receiving end from the Toons' supporters as well, but Alonso, much like his teammates, portrayed explicit appetite and desire.
Chelsea found it hard to carve open a stubborn back line, and a lot of us wanted them to go more aerial and take risks. But, they continued to spray passes around, played the patient game and it finally paid off through a sumptuous effort from the Spaniard.
Credit also goes to Hudson-Odoi, who since returning from injury, has been among the goals and assists in every single game he's been involved in.
The Blues did well to hold on to a win despite a late scare from Ciaran Clark's half chance. At times, it's great to grind out results and keep the momentum flowing. And it's great to see a young bunch of players instilling the same in their locker.
#1 Frank Lampard is a brave manager
He'd have left his marker miles behind, got into the box and pierced the ball into the back of the net like a striker on 20 goals for that season. Or probably, he'd have a rabbit to pull out of a hat from 25-30 yards out. Whatever it is, Lampard was a genius back in his day. And he's proving it here at Chelsea.
Obviously, there is a long way to go, lots of problems and turmoils to undergo, but at the moment, he's showing how brave and industrious he can be on the hot seat.
His man management has been simply inspirational. From the way he's handled the players and the international break to how he's handed starts and debuts to academy graduates.
Today, he knew it would take a heroic effort and not flamboyance to outclass Newcastle. The same rubbed off on his team too, who pressed the visitors before they could even begin an attack. In the air as well, they were outstanding.
Mason Mount has been in prime form this season while Pulisic has been out of preference more often than not. Even then, Lampard showed courage in taking off the former and throwing the American as his dice, despite the presence of other match-winners on the bench.
Pulisic paid his manager back with a great run, as he drew the attention of as many as four black and white shirts toward himself, before having the composure to play it to Hudson-Odoi. The rest as you know, resulted in the winner.
It's great to see Lampard mixing things up and living by his attacking sword, even if it might mean that he'll have to die by it, at times.
