Chelsea recorded their first win in four games after beating west London rivals Fulham 2-0 and moved to the top of the English Premier League but previous leaders Liverpool were stunned by Southampton.
After consecutive defeats to Everton and FC Basel, Jose Mourinho's side Saturday was in desperate need of a victory but they still struggled to create chances in the first half, reports Xinhua.
The Blues went ahead in the 52nd minute when Oscar scored from six metres out after David Stockdale had failed to hold Andre Schurrle's shot.
John Obi Mikel made it 2-0 six minutes from time with a volley after John Terry had knocked down Frank Lampard's corner. It was Mikel's first Premier League goal for the Blues in 185 appearances.
"They have been killing me about it - going to the national team and scoring but not here," the Nigeria midfielder said.
"I'm sure the guys will give me a lot of stick."
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Liverpool, who were held to a 2-2 Monday by Swansea City, saw their momentum fade further as Lovren scored the winner for Southhampton in the 53rd minute with a header from a left-wing corner.
Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion beat Sunderland 3-0 to impose more pressure on visiting manager Paolo Di Canio.
Newcastle United missed out on the chance to go second after losing to Hull City 0-3. Everton beat West Ham at Upton Park 3-2, Aston Villa snatched a 1-0 win over hosts Norwich.