A late strike from Diego Costa has taken Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Antonio Conte’s side were frustrated by the visitors for much of the contest in West London but Costa’s outstanding individual effort won the game for the Blues, who go three points clear of Arsenal.
Chelsea almost took the lead in fortuitous circumstances when N’Golo Kante’s shot was diverted towards goal by Pedro, but the ball missed the corner with Ben Foster beaten.
Towards the end of the first half, Eden Hazard fired over from inside the penalty area and David Luiz saw a free kick comfortably saved by Foster but that was as good as it got for Conte’s team as the teams went into half time on level terms.
After the restart, several bookings in quick succession resulted in the flow of the game being interrupted with Chelsea’s best opening coming from a free kick from Luiz which was tipped wide by Foster.
Gareth McAuley appeared to be in control of the ball on the touchline but he was dispossessed by Costa, who ran into the penalty area before driving the ball into the top corner from an acute angle.
The second goal never arrived but with West Brom having to defend during four minutes of added-on time, it mattered little as Chelsea registered another three points to remain clear of the chasing pack.
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