Eden Hazard has fired Chelsea into a 1-0 half-time lead over Crystal Palace as Jose Mourinho's side clasp one hand on the Premier League trophy.
With victory guaranteeing the title, the Blues spent the majority of the first half toiling at the finish line in a title race that has effectively been over for a matter of weeks.
However, Hazard, crowned PFA Player of the Year last week, underlined his importance to the cause once again by heading home from close ranger after Julian Speroni saved his penalty on the stroke of half time.
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It took some 24 minutes for the champions elect to fashion a sight at goal, with Speroni's hashed punch falling to Nemanja Matic, whose hesitation before shooting allowed Palace time to snuff out the danger.
Speroni was called into action again minutes later to deny Blues captain John Terry following Didier Drogba's teasing delivery from a free kick - a missed opportunity that the hosts very nearly paid for.
Terry, lauded for his defensive solidity this season, hashed his clearance straight to Jason Puncheon, who looked poised to open the scoring but the home skipper threw his body in the way the shot.
Joe Ledley scuffed his volley wide of the target as another chance for the visitors went begging, before the hosts snatched a half-time lead.
Hazard went to ground under a challenge from James McArthur and Adrian Mariappa, with referee Kevin Friend pointing to the spot. The Belgian, usually so reliable from 12 yards, saw his spot-kick saved by Speroni, but was on hand to head home the rebound.
Shane Callaghan
