The proof that Newcastle United can perform to the level expected of them ... when they feel like it.The Magpies played their title-challenging opponents off the pitch in the second half and were good value for their victory, which came just six days after collapsing to defeat in the latest Wear-Tyne derby.
Pardew said the Toon Army were “over optimistic” when they state that they want their side to challenge for the European Champions League.
However, the performance against Chelsea backed the supporters, and suggested the problem is simply lack of consistancy - not the lack of ability in the team.
Mathieu Debuchy and Davide Santon, in particular, are well thought of across Europe, but you never know what you will get from them. Sometimes world class - sometimes bordering on embarrassment.
So, isn't it Alan Pardew's job to get that consistency?
The games against Sunderland and Chelsea were worlds apart in terms of hunger and quality, but why?
I don't think anyone could blame the players for lack of effort against the Mackems. but they didn't seem organised in any shape or form.
They had no shape, nobody seemed on the same wavelength, and it was nothing short of being an unorganized MESS!
Next up for Alan Pardew’s side is a potentially tough trip to London to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane, but with the Chelsea result fresh in the mind, fans will go there fearing nobody.
But what Newcastle team will turn up?
We are not strong enough to go with the Kevin Keegan theory "let them worry about US!", so they need a manager who knows the opposition down to the finest detail.
A thinker - like Sir Bobby Robson. Someone who knows his own team's strengths and most imortant ... how to get the best out of every individual and exploit the weaknesses of those in opposition.
And that, dear friend, is where Pardew is lacking.
It remains to be seen just how good Newcastle will be this season, but in the last fortnight, we have seen the very best and the very worst of the Magpies.
But there is enough in that team to get us back into Europe. Is there enough in the manager?