Chelsea moved back to the top of the Premier League and made it nine successive league wins as Diego Costa scored the winner against a stubborn West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain striker took advantage of a mistake by a hesitant Gareth
McAuley in the 76th minute to rob the defender of possession and curl a
brilliant left-foot shot past Ben Foster.
West Brom had looked
like earning a point after restricting the Blues to just one other shot
on target, a 30-yard David Luiz free-kick.
Chelsea also came close through an N'Golo Kante shot that deflected off Pedro and rolled just wide of the post.
The Baggies had early chances through a Chris Brunt shot that fizzed wide and Salomon Rondon shooting across goal.
Chelsea move three points ahead of Arsenal while West Brom stay ninth. Follow Sunday's Premier League football
Gareth McAuley had the opportunity to clear before Costa forced him off the ballChelsea
had scored 22 in their previous eight league victories but looked
likely falling victim to a defensive masterclass from Tony Pulis' side
until Costa struck.
The Blues had been frustrated by West Brom's
compact defence, which hurried and hassled them from the start and
pressed high up the pitch, restricting them to speculative shots from
long range until McAuley's error.
The 37-year-old Northern
Irishman, who had been booked, had plenty of time to clear a hopeful
Cesc Fabregas pass down the line but delayed fatally, allowing Costa to
force him off the ball and run inside.
It was the 28-year-old's 12th league goal of the season, matching last season's total.
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