Newcastle ease derby anguish with victory over Chelsea

The Frenchman and his team-mates responded in perfect fashion to their 2-1 reverse at the Stadium of Light and their midweek Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City to see off Jose Mourinho’s title favourites 2-0 at St James’ Park.

Manager Alan Pardew and his players had found themselves in the spotlight once again in the wake of the derby loss, but they showed genuine character to frustrate the Blues and then go for the kill when the opportunity arose.

Asked how tough the week had been, Gouffran said: “It was really, really difficult. It was an exhausting match for us against Manchester City. We lost in extra-time, so we had to play that much longer.

“Coming off the back of a derby defeat, we were very disappointed. We know we could have done a lot better in the week. It was disappointing to have lost it and we had to go out there and show a really different side of ourselves on the pitch and really make it up to the fans, and we did that.”

For half an hour or more, Newcastle had to fight tooth and nail to keep Chelsea at bay as the Londoners dominated possession and threatened to overwhelm their hosts.

However, apart from a 13th-minute John Terry header which crashed against Tim Krul’s crossbar, they failed to convert pressure into chances and the Magpies grew in confidence as a result.

The opening goal eventually arrived with 68 minutes gone and it was Gouffran who sparked delirious celebrations among the home fans when he dived to head compatriot Yohan Cabaye’s delicious free-kick past the helpless Petr Cech.

The former Bordeaux player said: “It was magnificent. The fans made one hell of a noise.

“I really just wanted to go and slide. I hurt my knees a little bit and got some grass burns, but it was really nice and a wonderful feeling.”

Loic Remy had the final say when he thumped home Vurnon Anita’s pull-back off the inside of the post to seal victory at the death.

Manchester United secured a 3-1 win at Fulham. United led 3-0 inside 23 minutes as Antonio Valencia, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney all got on the scoresheet, before Alex Kacaniklic got a consolation for the hosts.

Asmir Begovic became the fifth goalkeeper to score in the Barclays Premier League with a remarkable long-range goal, but it was not enough to give Stoke victory at home to Southampton.

The wind got hold of the Bosnian’s long kick downfield to fly over Saints’ goalkeeper Artur Boruc after just 13 seconds.

But Begovic was beaten by Jay Rodriguez to make it 1-1.

Goals from Saido Berahino and Gareth McAuley gave West Brom a 2-0 win over bottom-side Crystal Palace, while West Ham and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw at Upton Park.