Three vital points gained as Chelsea downed goal-shy Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park this afternoon.
Chelsea are now in the dizzying heights of 14th place in the Premier League, six points ahead of third from bottom spot, which is currently occupied by Newcastle United.
A first half goal from Oscar and two in the second, a screamer from Willian and a tap-in from Diego Costa ensured that Guus Hiddink got his first victory in three attempts since replacing Jose Mourinho.
These same players who had dragged the champions down the league suddenly have found a sense of belief and confidence that had eluded them all season.
The opening goal was always going to be significant and it fell to the Blues (playing in all black). An excellent pass by Cesc Fabregas to Costa, saw the striker cut back the perfect byline pass to know-running Oscar, who had the simplest of chances to tucking he ball home home.
There followed a sustained period of pressure by the visitors which sapped the energy out of the Eagles.
Palace, who were without Johan Cabeye, suspended and Yannick Bolasie and Conor Whickham, injured, simply could not keep pace with Chelsea, who stroked the ball around confidently and with purpose. None so much as for the second goal, which saw live wi Willian race onto a ball and unleash an unstoppable right-footer from just outside the penalty area. It fizzed past Wayne Hennessy and smashed into the top of his net.
Goal number three was a simple affair but Hennessy will be kicking himself he said not snaffle a cross by Willian. He let the ball skip out of his grasp and Costa was at the far post and tapped it over the goal line.
Chelsea fans will be wondering quite why these performances of last, undefeated in four since Mourinho's departure have come from. Next week's FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe will provide a bit of welcome respite from grappling for Premier League points before it resumes again, the following Wednesday evening when WBA visit the Bridge.