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Eden Hazard was the star of the show as Chelsea swept aside an in-form West Ham 2-0 to go six points clear at the top on Boxing Day.
Jose Mourinho’s table-toppers started well and went on to dominate this London derby from start to finish.
Belgian attacking midfielder Hazard passed a late fitness test to start at Stamford Bridge and his influence was key with another stellar display that left the Hammers’ defence chasing his shadow.
The opening goal was overdue when it arrived just after the half-hour mark with Diego Costa meeting a near post corner and his flick on was tapped home by an unmarked John Terry just two yards out.
Thibaut Courtois barely had a touch at one end while Adrian was enjoying a busy afternoon and the West Ham stopper did superbly to stop Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas extending the lead before half time.
The Blues continued to dominate after the break and it was game over just after the hour mark as Chelsea struck on the counter.
Nemanja Matic dispossessed Cheikhou Kouyate and Hazard sprung Costa into space with the Spain international wrong-footing two defenders before drilling past Adrian.
Allardyce rolled the dice to try and change things but Chelsea continued to dominate possession and cruised through to a routine victory, despite Morgan Amalfitano striking the post in the dying moments.
Chelsea leads the Premier League log with 45 points.
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