Anyone hoping the fixture heralded as the Premier League's game of shame might supply a stylish distraction from its backdrop of uncomfortable truths would be disappointed.
But it did deliver in late drama. And it did deliver in controversy as Kai Havertz clinched the points for Chelsea with a delectable goal in the 89th minute with an exquisite first touch to collect a wonderful pass from Jorginho, hold off Dan Burn and apply clinical finish.
As they fished the ball out of their net, Newcastle minds flashed back to the first half when Havertz escaped a red card for an elbow on Burn.