Newcastle were knocked off the top of the Premiership as bogey team Chelsea boosted their own Championship ambitions at St James' Park.
Two first half goals by Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, either side of an Alan Shearer effort, brought to an end a Magpies five-match winning run and seven-game unbeaten sequence in the league.
Newcastle have now failed to beat the Blues in their last ten encounters in all competitions.
Arsenal's home victory over Middlesbrough ensured the Gunners top spot on goal difference.
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