Half-Time Report: Oscar inspires Chelsea lead over West Ham United

Chelsea are leading West Ham United 2-0 at half time in the Premier League this evening, with Frank Lampard having converted a first-half penalty to put his side in front.

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The Blues created the game's first real opportunity through Brazilian midfielder Oscar, who let fly with his right foot having been found by Lampard just inside the box.

West Ham looked dangerous when the ball was pumped into Kevin Nolan and he almost made Chelsea pay when he got on the end of Stewart Downing's cross.

Guy Demel produced a poor piece of defending to allow the ball to scramble through to Oscar, who was brought down by the advancing Jussi Jaaskelainen as Chelsea were awarded a penalty.

The decision left Lampard with the opportunity to put his side ahead and he duly obliged by smashing the ball down the middle with his right foot in the 21st minute.

Oscar and Lampard combined again soon after. This time the Brazilian found the experienced midfielder inside the box, but the England man was not able to squeeze the ball past Jaaskelainen.

Oscar grabbed Chelsea's second goal in the 34th minute as he marauded towards the box, before applying a clever, sliding finish down to the keeper's right.