Chelsea lead Newcastle at the break despite a lackluster first half

As has been the case far too often of late, Chelsea started their match against Newcastle in very lackluster fashion. The first half has seen Newcastle look like the better side at Stamford Bridge, showing more energy, more willingness to challenge for loose balls, and creating the better chances.

That's not to say there weren't early opportunities for Chelsea to take the lead, as Diego Costa has had two great chances to make Tim Krul work. Unfortunately, Costa seems to have contracted a case of the Torreses today, and didn't manage a shot on either occasion.

Luckily for the Blues, Willian's heads-up quick corner led to an open net for Oscar to hit, putting Chelsea up a goal heading into the break. It's still anyone's game with 45 minutes to go though, but hopefully Newcastle's relentless first half pressure and Oscar's opening goal will lead to a better looking second half from the Blues.