Reece James scored a second-half brace as the unstoppable Chelsea team brushed Newcastle aside at St James’ Park, claiming a 3-0 victory.
England defender James produced a brilliant finish midway through the second period and then made it 2-0 by driving home a rebound before Jorginho sealed victory by converting a late penalty.
The Blues moved three points clear at the top with their fourth-successive Premier League win.
Defeat for managerless Newcastle saw them equal their longest winless run at the beginning of a top-flight season of 10 games, which was set in 1898 and 2018.
It was not the way interim-boss Graeme Jones wanted to hand over the reins, with Newcastle expected to appoint a permanent replacement for Steve Bruce before next week’s trip to Brighton.
The Blues broke the deadlock in emphatic style in the 65th minute. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross fell to Reece on the right edge of the area and he slammed home a left-footed finish from a tight angle.
Chelsea began to find pockets of space as Newcastle legs tired and when Blues substitute Hudson-Odoi’s fierce drive struck Ciaran Clark, James thumped home his second in the 77th minute.
The visitors’ relentless approach was further rewarded three minutes later when Jorginho converted from the spot after Kai Havertz was tripped by Darlow.
Elsewhere, Liverpool were held to a surprising 2-2 draw at Anfield by Brighton while 10-man Manchester City slumped to a more surprising 2-0 loss at the Etihad.
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