Blues three points clear after win at Stoke

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Stoke City 0 Chelsea 2

Cesc Fabregas’ goal sealed victory for Chelsea as they re-established a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Level on points with Manchester City before kick-off, the Blues made the perfect start when John Terry shrugged off marker Ryan Shawcross and headed home Fabregas’ corner in only the second minute.

And Fabregas netted with 12 minutes to go with a mis-hit shot that wrong-footed keeper Asmir Begovic and ended up in the far corner.

On a slightly worrying note for the visitors, however, the outstanding Eden Hazard went off injured in stoppage time following a challenge from Jonathan Walters.

Chelsea – and Hazard in particular – were excellent in the first half and could have been at least a couple of goals up by the interval.

Diego Costa shot just wide with a great one-on-one chance and Jose Mourinho’s side created several opportunities on the break without testing Begovic.

Hazard was once again in mesmerising form and could easily have drawn a red card for Phil Bardlsey, who was instead booked for a scything challenge.

Stoke’s best chance saw fit-again Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois make a brilliant reaction save to keep out a deflected Steven Nzonzi shot.

After the break, Fabregas went close following more good work by Hazard and Charlie Adam almost equalised for Stoke.

The hosts were having the better of the possession but struggling to create chances and the all-important second goal arrived after a fine move that ended with Hazard finding Fabregas and the Spaniard finding the back of the net after a brilliant first touch and fortunate mis-hit finish.

There were chances for a third goal, notably when Costa’s effort was saved after great approach play by substitute Andre Schurrle.

The victory means Chelsea will be top on Christmas Day – but they must hope the injury to Hazard does not prove to be serious and the Belgian is fit to face West Ham on Boxing Day.

He received treatment after Walters connected with the Belgian’s heel and was in obvious pain as he left the pitch.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian (Schurrle 80), Fabregas, Hazard (Zouma 90); Costa (Drogba 85).
Subs not used: Cech, Filipe Luis, Ake, Oscar.

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