Goals from Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard helped Chelsea record a 2-0 victory over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Having dominated the opening exchanges, the two players combined to give the Blues the lead with 19 minutes played. Belgium international Hazard picked out Lampard inside the area and the veteran midfielder sent a headed effort into the net. It was the 34-year-old's 200th goal for the club.
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The visiting Hammers struggled to mount many attacks during the first half, but they thought they had levelled up the scores with 23 minutes on the clock when Andy Carroll scored from close range. His strike was chalked off, though, because of a foul earlier in the move.
Despite having failed to add to their tally before the break, it took Chelsea just five minutes after the restart to seal the points. Hazard exchanged passes with Juan Mata on the edge of the area before going on to beat Jussi Jaaskelainen from inside the area.
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Hazard and Mata had chances to extend Chelsea's lead even further in the closing stages, but Jaaskelainen was able to deny both with diving saves.
The result means that Rafael Benitez's team have regained third spot from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Liam Apicella
