Cesc Fabregas scored the winner as Chelsea beat Sunderland 1-0 to open up a six-point lead at the top of the league.
Sunderland manager David Moyes picked seven defenders to start the game, as Chelsea were without Eden Hazard, who was injured.
Sunderland defended deep throughout, and Fabregas scored with the best chance of the half, with an accurate, low shot.
In the second half, a brief flurry of chances came to nothing for either side. Chelsea were able to keep control of the game, and Sunderland at arm's length. Jordan Pickford's reflexes kept Moyes' side in the match.
Chelsea have now won 10 games in a row, but have Thibaut Courtois to thank for a superb last-gasp save from Patrick van Aanholt.
TALKING POINT
Chelsea are now clear favourites for the Premier League
After the early stages of the season, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have seemed to be the clearest contenders for the Premier League title. However, as City and Liverpool have stumbled, Chelsea have only improved. The focus required to defeat Sunderland as Eden Hazard was missing helped them solidify their position at the top.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea): Fabregas has looked set to leave the club at various points of the season, and is rumoured to be a target for Roma in January. However, he has enjoyed a resurgence of late and having assisted Diego Costa at the weekend, he broke the deadlock here. He may be declining, but he still has moments of serious quality.
Latest Stories
-
Kwesi Nyantakyi Esq: How the new Ministry for Sports & Recreation can transform the Youth of Ghana
2 hours -
Barca fights back to beat Real Madrid 5-2 for Spanish Super Cup success
3 hours -
Photos: Mahama joins National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service
4 hours -
Mahama reaffirms commitment to education reform, tackles immediate feeding challenges in SHSs
4 hours -
Vetting of ministerial nominees begins on Monday, January 13
4 hours -
Ghanaian, Prof Wisdom Tettey is Carleton University’s 17th President and Vice-Chancellor in Canada
5 hours -
National Cathedral can be built at a reasonable cost without state funds – Mahama
5 hours -
13-year-old girl survives alleged ritual murder attempt in Eastern Region
5 hours -
Anti-corruption campaigner lauds ORAL, commends Mahama
5 hours -
Türkish Ambassador to Ghana congratulates Vice President Opoku-Agyemang
5 hours -
GUTA dissociates itself from its president’s comment urging gov’t to retain E-levy
6 hours -
My victory is the manifestation of the will of God, says Mahama
6 hours -
We’ll strengthen the fight against corruption – Mahama
6 hours -
National Cathedral project expenditure to be probed soon – Mahama
6 hours -
Senyo Amponsah thrills audience at ‘Dzidudua’ concert
6 hours