Chelsea takes slim league lead
LONDON — Chelsea overcame a difficult start to beat Newcastle 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, moving two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after Manuel Pellegrini’s side was held to a 1-1 draw at Everton.
Oscar led Jose Mourinho’s team to victory, putting Chelsea ahead in the 43rd minute after a quickly worked corner by Willian and Branislav Ivanovic.
Oscar then set up Diego Costa’s secondhalf goal by controlling Eden Hazard’s chipped pass and flicking it into the path of the onrushing Costa before the striker slotted in his 15th goal of the season.
Newcastle had started well and Chelsea had goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for keeping out a fierce drive by Remy Cabella. Cech was standing in for regular stopper Thibaut Courtois, who was out with a finger injury.
“In the first half, they caused us some problems, but (it was) a much improved performance in the second half and in the end we were good value for a 2-0 win,” Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland said. At Goodison Park, City took the lead through Fernandinho’s strike in the 74th, but Steven Naismith headed an equalizer for Everton four minutes later to end its slide of four straight defeats.
City introduced Sergio Aguero in the 67th for his first appearance since sustaining a knee injury in December.
Earlier Saturday, Liverpool won 1-0 against 10-man Sunderland thanks to Lazar Markovic’s first-half strike.
Brendan Rodgers’ side produced an impressive first-half display, but Sunderland went close to equalizing when Adam Johnson hit the crossbar from long range in the 52nd, three minutes after teammate Liam Bridcutt had been sent off for two yellow cards.
Liverpool is only four points from the top four, 17 points behind Chelsea.
In the late game, new Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew began with a 2-1 comeback victory against Tottenham.
Harry Kane put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead in the 49th. But Pardew’s team equalized through Dwight Gayle’s penalty. Substitute Wilfried Zaha then teed up Jason Puncheon, who curled his shot low into the left corner.