NEWCASTLE: Two second-half goals from substitute Papiss Demba Cisse put an end to Chelsea's dreams of an undefeated season as Newcastle earned a 2-1 win in their Premier League match at St James's Park on Saturday.
Newcastle United's Daryl Janmaat pursues Chelsea's John Obi Mikel during the clubs' Premier League match at St James's Park on Saturday. (AP Photo)
However, the hosts had to hang on for dear life for the final 10 minutes plus six agonising minutes of injury time and a furious Chelsea barrage after Steven Taylor was sent off for a second yellow card.
The victory moves Alan Pardew's improving side into sixth place with 23 points pending the outcome of later fixtures. Chelsea remain six clear of second-place Manchester City, who are at home to Everton on Sunday.
Chelsea skipper Jose Mourinho is still looking for his first win in four visits to Newcastle.
Both sides appeared content to defend and wait for opportunities to launch quick counter-attacks during a fairly even first half. A bit of drama near the end featured Oscar attempting a bicycle kick that almost found the mark for Chelsea.
Newcastle finally drew first blood after 59 minutes when Sammy Ameobi crossed the ball beyond Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, and Cisse tucked it away. The Senegalese, brought on after the break to add some offensive punch, struck again 20 minutes later.
However, Taylor's foul on Chelsea's Andre Schuerrle, and subsequent sending-off, set up the free kick that Ivorian veteran Didier Drogba headed home to set up the nail-biting finish.
From then on it took heroics from substitute keeper Jak Alnwick, making his competitive debut after Rob Elliot went off with an injury, to preserve the three points.
Entering the match Chelsea had yet to suffer defeat in any competition this season, and some fans were talking of an attempt to replicate the feat of Arsenal, who went the entire 2003-04 campaign unbeaten.
However, Newcastle have also had a respectable run with just one defeat in their last 10 matches in all competitions including Saturday's.