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Half-Time Report: Chelsea hold slender lead at the interval

Branislav Ivanovic scores late in the first half to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead against West Bromwich Albion at the interval.

Chelsea are beating West Bromwich Albion thanks to Branislav Ivanovic's goal just before half time.

West Brom started well with plenty of possession, but they failed to create an opening against a stubborn Chelsea defence. The visitors, meanwhile, were being fairly cautious.

Eden Hazard of Chelsea is tackled by Morgan Amalfitano of West Brom during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea at The Hawthorns on February 11, 2014© Getty Images

David Luiz's long ball was then missed by Samuel Eto'o, which forced Ben Foster to come out and clear it on the edge of the box with a Chelsea man in close attendance. However, he sliced his clearance and Ivanovic fired wide from 40 yards out.

Chelsea began to show more attacking intent, and Willian chipped the ball through to Eto'o, who turned his man on the left side of the box before pulling the ball back towards Ivanovic, who found himself in the area. However, the home defence managed to clear.

Willian then received the ball just outside the box and made room for a shot, although his powerful effort swerved narrowly past the angle of the crossbar at the near post.

West Brom came back at their opponents and produced some decent attacking football. Saido Berahino latched on to a deep cross into the box, before nodding it back to Thievy Bifouma, who took a touch instead of hitting it first time. He managed to get it to Chris Brunt, who hit a first-time effort wide.

With the first half almost over, Ivanovic converted Luiz's cross to put the visitors ahead.

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Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic celebrates scoring the opening goal past West Bromwich Albion's English goalkeeper Ben Foster during the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea at The Hawthorns in West
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