Willian's sublime strike earned Chelsea a 2-1 victory over spirited Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro's ninth-minute lob saw the Magpies trailing, but Ciaran Clark headed in a deserved equaliser before half-time.
The Blues had plenty of chances, but only prevailed when Willian curled in a decisive second, following another assist by Eden Hazard, who was again deployed as Chelsea's 'false nine'.
Goalscoring remains an issue for Chelsea, who faced the prospect of a third top-flight home game without scoring for the first time since November 1993, but finished the day with a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Arsenal.
Re-live the action in the blog below:
Willian's fine finish secures unconvincing Chelsea win over Newcastle
Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle: Sarri's side were short of their best at Stamford Bridge but a fine solo finish separated the teamsThat result means that Chelsea secure their position in the top four. The gap between them and Arsenal increasing to six points.
Other results mean Newcastle drop into the relegation zone and have a tough battle ahead to avoid the drop down to the Championship.
90 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
The game seems to be winding down but no-one told Hudson-Odoi who receives the ball and runs it down the left. Willian wins a corner for Chelsea but they do nothing with it.
84 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Arrizabalaga is a little flat-footed as the ball comes into Rondon. Rondon chooses the near post as to where he wants his header to go but he misses his mark.
78 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Newcastle put together a string of passes resulting in a corner. Alonso heads it away though.
75 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
There's going to be a few minutes added on at the end of this half. David Luiz is down now and need treatment.
72 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Chelsea win a free kick about 25 yards from goal. David Luiz takes the shot and sends it well over the bar.
68 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Lascelles is forced into the advertising boards after defending against Hazard and he's cut open his right leg. The physios wipe it, clean it and stitch it and Lascelles will carry on.
66 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Chelsea play a long ball up to Willian, David Luiz with the pass, Dubravka comes flying off his line and he's never going to beat Willian to the ball. For his part Willian tries to chip the ball over Newcastle's goalkeeper but Dubravka gets enough of a hand onto the shot and Chelsea are denied.
60 mins: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
Perez makes a good run towards the box before he plays a give and go with Rondon. As he enters the box Perez goes down and the ref waves away the penalty shout.
54 mins: Chelsea 1 - 1 Newcastle
Willian wins a corner for Chelsea but Rondon deals with it. A second corner comes in and Dubravka spills it but Rudiger makes a foul and Newcastle can regroup.
51 mins: Chelsea 1 - 1 Newcastle
Newcastle win a free kick in Chelsea's area. They play it short and switch it to the right, Lascelles heads the ball into the box but Chelsea get it clear. The whole movement though speaks to the growing confidence of the visitors, Chelsea look a little rocked.
48 mins: Chelsea 1 - 1 Newcastle
Newcastle get half a chance now as Ritchie puts the ball into the box aiming for Atsu. Atsu leaps but the ball skims the top of his head.
SECOND HALF: Chelsea 1 - 1 Newcastle
Newcastle restart the match but Chelsea win it quickly, Hazard runs it forward gives it to Kante who sends it wide to Pedro. Pedro brings it inside and shoots but Dubravka makes a great save.
42 mins: Chelsea 1 - 1 Newcastle
Pedro sends Willian in on goal. Dubravka is quick off his line, stays big and makes the save by cutting off the angle.
