Didier Drogba’s first-half header and late strikes by forwards Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge earned Chelsea a 3-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, lifting the team into the top four and maintaining its title challenge.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard had a penalty saved in the 13th but Newcastle will still count themselves unlucky after hitting the woodwork three times, twice through Demba Ba.

Chelsea defender David Luiz also could easily have been dismissed for a professional foul in the fourth minute.