Guus Hiddink's second spell at Chelsea has bought about their first win as the Blues moved six points clear of relegation with victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Brazilian playmaker Oscar put Chelsea ahead against the run of the play, scoring after being put through by fellow Brazilian compatriot Diego Costa.
Chelsea were in complete control of the contest once they scored and doubled their advantage with a spectacular strike from Willian, who has been the one consistent player throughout Chelsea's poor season to date.
Costa sealed the win to register his sixth goal in the Premier League this season, tapping in after Palace failed to clear Willian's shot.
Interim boss Hiddink, who guided Chelsea to third in the Premier League, a Champions League semi-final and the FA Cup in his first spell at the club, remains unbeaten sine taking over from Jose Mourinho last month.
The Blues' four match run without defeat is their longest this season and moves last year's champions to 14th in the league, still 13 points adrift of a Champions League spot.
Meanwhile, Alan Pardew's side missed a golden chance to move up to fifth, and now sit a point behind West Ham in seventh.
In the morning's other game, Tottenham cemented their place in the Premier League's top four but had to settle for a point after they were held to a draw at Everton.
Former Spur Aaron Lennon scored against his old side angling a half-volley after 22 minutes to give Everton the lead that was completely against the run of the play as Spurs dominated the first half.
Harry Kane and Ben Davies both hit the woodwork before Dele Alli controlled Toby Alderweireld's superb long pass to volley low past Everton keeper Tim Howard in first-half stoppage time.
Everton pressured Spurs a lot more after the break as Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris saved superbly from substitute Muhamed Besic's 25-yard shot and Romelu Lukaku just failed to turn in Gerard Deulofeu's cross.
Everton remain in mid-table sitting 11th, while Tottenham have a three point advantage over Manchester United in fourth.
