Eden Hazard kept his cool from the penalty spot to seal a 2-1 victory for Chelsea at the expense of West London rivals Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.
The deadlock was broken by Oscar in the 32nd minute, but QPR rallied after the restart and were level just after the hour mark when Charlie Austin scored.
However, Hazard rolled in from 12 yards in the closing stages to secure all three points for the Premier League leaders.
Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest at Stamford Bridge to determine if the result was a fair one.
Match statistics
Chelsea
Shots: 18
On target: 8
Possession: 65%
Corners: 13
Fouls: 8
QPR
Shots: 7
On target: 1
Possession: 35%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
When Austin scored the equalising goal, it was hard to begrudge the visitors parity. They had worked hard and had started the second half in positive fashion. However, as the match drew to a close, Chelsea finished strongly and but for some last-ditch defending and good saves, they could have won by an even greater margin. It was by no means a vintage performance from the home side, but they did just about enough to warrant all three points.
Chelsea's performance
The first 30 minutes as far as Jose Mourinho is concerned were nothing to write home about. His team were laboured in and out of possession. Yet, Oscar's opener - a goal of real quality - sprung the hosts into life and all of a sudden there was much more purpose and urgency about their work.
There was a slight lull at the start of the second half, but once Austin had equalised, Chelsea started to move through the gears again. Even if they had not been awarded the penalty, they seemed likely to get another goal. All in all, the display was a largely forgetful one, but it is the type of showing that wins titles, so they say. The Blues defended well when they needed to and created enough openings, without ever being at their best.
QPR's performance
Harry Redknapp's gameplan was apparent from the opening exchanges. He wanted his defence and midfield to remain compact - an order which they carried out to the letter. Indeed, they were only undone in the first half by a truly great goal from Oscar. Then, when they needed a goal in the second half, they were not afraid to push forward, particularly down the flanks, and their bravery was rewarded.
What will have annoyed Redknapp is that Eduardo Vargas shot his side in the foot for the winning goal because while Chelsea were pushing hard for the winner, QPR may have ridden their luck and claimed a point. The mistake from Vargas ended any chance of that, though, and if anyone was going to score the game's fourth goal, it would have been Chelsea.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Robert Green: QPR may feel that their efforts were worthy of a share of the spoils, but they would have been out of the game without the form of their goalkeeper. Green made a couple of smart stops during the first half, but he went on to excel further after the restart. As Chelsea went in search of a third goal, they were denied on numerous occasions by the 34-year-old former England international.
Biggest gaffe
It does not matter how much QPR try to claim that Hazard went to ground too easily, Vargas committed an unnecessary challenge inside the area. It gave the referee a decision to make and he awarded a penalty. The away side's hard work was then undone as Hazard confidently rolled the ball into the net from the spot.
Referee performance
A very good afternoon's work from Mike Jones, who kept his cards in his pocket. It made for a good flowing game of football. His one major decision centred around the penalty, which the replays showed that he was correct to award. It would be good if more referees opted to officiate in this manner.
What next?
Chelsea: The Blues turn their attention to Champions League matters on Wednesday evening when they travel to Slovenia to take on NK Maribor. Then, next Saturday, they take on Liverpool at Anfield.
QPR: A week today, the Hoops will play host to champions Manchester City at Loftus Road.
Liam Apicella
