Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer gave Chelsea a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, the latest sign of progress for the Blues under coach Enzo Maresca.

With his sixth goal of the season in the 18th minute, Jackson rounded off a spirited counterattack and put Chelsea in the lead. He converted a perfect cross from Pedro Neto, who had been released by a pinpoint pass from Palmer down the left wing.

The home fans at Stamford Bridge roared their approval as the Londoners dominated Newcastle with their rapid passing game, a contrast to the frustrations of the last two years when Chelsea’s expensively assembled teams struggled for form.

However, Newcastle equalized against the run of play when Alexander Isak converted a cross from former Chelsea defender Lewis Hall in the 32nd minute.

Barely a minute into the second half, Palmer restored Chelsea’s lead when he intercepted a pass from Romeo Lavia near the halfway line, raced to the edge of the penalty area and fired a low shot past Nick Pope.

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Neto headed against a post and the Blues remained in control for most of the rest of the game. But they were indebted to the club’s captain, Reece James, who scored several key clearances after returning from a long-term injury in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.

The win saw Chelsea move up to fourth place in the table on goal difference, ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal. Arsenal host Liverpool later on Sunday.

Palmer, who has now scored seven goals in the league this season, played down suggestions that Chelsea looked a strong contender for a place in the top four next May.

“We just try to play our own game and block out the outside noise. We don’t mind proving people wrong,” the England striker told Sky Sports. “We are all young and have a top coach, but there is still improvement.”

Newcastle, without injured winger Anthony Gordon, had a chance to equalize late on when Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana misjudged a header from behind, but Isak hesitated and allowed Moisés Caicedo to clear the danger.

Eddie Howe’s team is in 12th place in the table.