GAP, FRANK

Could lose touch with football’ s biggest hitters

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this season. But Lampard (right) knows the moment you stand still in the Premier League you’re a dead man walking – and he’s too smart for that.

Lampard against Bruce might be a mismatch in terms of managerial experience but the Geordie boss had never previously won an encounter against the Chelsea rookie as a player or manager in 18 meetings.

Scramble

And although Chelsea and Newcastle have contrasting agendas, the on-pitch gulf didn’t seem as big as their differing ambitions.

The key to Newcastle satisfying their fans is amassing enough points before spring to make sure the final quarter of the season isn’t a scramble to avoid a relegation dogfight.

Winning on Tyneside is vital – and home defeats by Everton and Leicester over the festive period increased the pressure to produce a result against Chelsea.

As if Bruce isn’t having enough troubles convincing some fans he’s the man for the job against the usual chaotic backdrop of life at Newcastle, injuries are ravaging his squad.

And there was another for the casualty list as Dutch full-back Jetro Willems was carried off 12 minutes into the game after a painful clash of knees with Callum Hudson-odoi.

It was another blow for Bruce who never shirked a challenge as a player and is instilling the same backbone at Newcastle.

And to their credit the

Geordies refused to let Chelsea have it all their own way despite Lampard’s men dominating possession.

It was Newcastle who went closest to scoring in a first half that initially appeared to be swinging in Chelsea’s favour.

Lampard’s defence looked vulnerable to crosses and Joelinton lifted St James’ Park with a thumping 21st-minute header that crashed against the crossbar.

Before the half closed Federico Fernandez exposed Chelsea’s aerial weakness again and should have done better with his header.

Chelsea pressed for the winner in the last 20 minutes – but it was Newcastle who triumphed through sheer grit and determination.

Over to you, Frank.