Latest: Chelsea 1 QPR 1 – Blues stunned as Austin hits back for Rangers

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Charlie Austin’s goal just after the hour mark hauled QPR level in the west London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were ahead through Oscar’s brilliant strike when Austin netted his fifth goal of the season, diverting Leroy Fer’s mis-hit shot into the net.

The Blues dominated the first half and Branislav Ivanovic missed an early chance to give them the lead.

The Serbian defender, unmarked at the near post, fired into the side netting from close range after being found by Willian’s cross.

Willian was involved in creating an earlier chance for Oscar, who scuffed a shot wide after the fit-again Diego Costa had back-heeled the ball into his path.

At the other end, Austin headed over from Junior Hoilett’s cross.

That was a rare QPR attack, though, and Fabregas had an effort pushed away by keeper Rob Green shortly before setting up the opener.

Fabregas dribbled towards the penalty area, drawing defenders towards him – including left-back Yun Suk-Young – and was able to pick out Oscar in space to his right.

The Brazilian did the rest, beautifully steering the ball beyond Green and into the far corner with the outside of the boot.

Fabregas has now been involved in 10 of Chelsea’s 25 league goals this season, scoring one himself and providing nine assists.

Chelsea continued to threaten after the break, with Eden Hazard just failing to connect with Willian’s right-wing cross and Filipe Luis firing over the Rangers bar.

But the visitors hit back when keeper Thibaut Courtois fisted away Eduardo Vargas’ driven cross and was then off-balance and beaten by Austin’s clever flick after Fer had scuffed his effort.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Willian (Drogba 64), Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Cech, Zouma, Ake, Ramires, Salah, Schurrle.

QPR: Green, Isla, Caulker, Dunne, Yun, Hoilet (Zamora 60), Sandro, Fer, Vargas, Austin.
Subs: Murphy, Traore, Hill, Phillips, Wright-Phillips, Kranjcar.

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