Half-Time Report: Eden Hazard goal pushes Chelsea in front at half time

An early finish from Eden Hazard has earned Chelsea a 1-0 half-time lead over home side Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.

© Getty Images

The game began in a fiery manner as Tom Cleverley threw himself into a tackle on Chelsea left-back Cesar Azpilicueta, and could have no complaints as he was punished with the fixture's first yellow card.

The visitors took the lead after only eight minutes, as Hazard collected from Willian in the centre of the box before tucking into the bottom-left corner past Brad Guzan.

The Belgian international looked to turn provider just a few minutes later, only for Oscar to fire his attempt wide of the target without troubling the Villa keeper.

Villa came back with an attack of their own down the left when Fabian Delph crossed for Gabriel Agbonlahor, but the striker's header flew high and wide without troubling Thibaut Courtois.