The Blues were aiming to end a five-match winless run and eventually took the lead after 48 minutes through David Luiz, who found space in the box to fire home.

Didier Drogba then doubled the advantage after 61 minutes with a header from Frank Lampard's corner.

Lampard put the result beyond doubt 12 minutes from time, sweeping home a cross from Juan Mata.

Newcastle threw away a two-goal lead as Terry Connor began his spell as caretaker manager of Wolves with a 2-2 draw at the Sports Direct Arena.

The hosts were in front after just six minutes. Demba Ba's backheel was well saved by visiting goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, but the visiting defence failed to clear the danger and Papiss Cisse was on hand to put the ball away.

Jonas Gutierrez then strengthened Newcastle's position after 18 minutes, smashing an unstoppable shot into the top left corner.

Wolves rallied in the second half though, and Matthew Jarvis pulled a goal back after 50 minutes with the help of a deflection off Danny Simpson.

And they were back on level terms after 66 minutes through Kevin Doyle's close-range finish.

Peter Odemwingie grabbed a brace as West Brom took advantage of a poor performance from Sunderland to claim a 4-0 victory.

The Nigerian striker headed Albion in front with just three minutes on the clock, providing the perfect finish to a cross from Youssouf Mulumbu.

James Morrison added another four minutes before the interval with an easy header following Jerome Thomas' cross from the left.

Odemwingie then scored his second of the match three minutes into the second half before a late strike from Keith Andrews sealed a comfortable win.

An early goal from Pavel Pogrebnyak earned Fulham a 1-0 victory over 10-man QPR at Loftus Road.

The Cottagers were in front after seven minutes when the Russian striker lured Paddy Kenny out of the QPR goal before rolling a shot past the keeper and into the net.

Things failed to improve for the home side when Samba Diakite was sent off after 33 minutes for a poor challenge on Bryan Ruiz, which earned the midfielder a second yellow card.

Wigan remain at the foot of the table after playing out a goalless draw with Aston Villa.