Battering at the Bridge as Chelsea leave Magpies black and blue

Chelsea 5 Newcastle 0

Just as the Italian giants were emphatically beaten on Tuesday, losing 4-0, the 10-man Tynesiders were torn to shreds by the buoyant Blues in a 5-0 rout. And, embarrassingly for United boss Bobby Robson, this game was over as a contest before referee Paul Durkin had even put the half-time whistle to his lips.

Another Chelsea victory - their ninth in 12 league games - keeps Ranieri’s men alongside Arsenal and Manchester United in the thick of the Premiership title race.