Chelsea have claimed a 2-0 victory over Stoke City to move three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

The Blues opened the scoring in the second minute when John Terry powered in a header from Cesc Fabregas's corner.

© Getty Images

It took until midway through the first half for Stoke to pose a threat, as Steven Nzonzi's deflected attempt forced Thibaut Courtois into a one-handed save.

Diego Costa came within inches of adding a second for Chelsea on the half-hour mark, but after beating the offside trap and racing clear, he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Chelsea maintained their lead going into the break and five minutes after the interval they almost grabbed a second when Willian raced into the box, before seeing his low shot well held by Asmir Begovic.

Fabregas was next to test the keeper, but after being found by Eden Hazard, he could not get enough power on his near-post flick to beat the keeper.

© Getty Images

Stoke began to see more of the ball as they pressed for an equaliser and Charlie Adam flashed a shot just wide of the post.

However, it was Chelsea who would score the next goal of the game in the 78th minute, as Fabregas collected Hazard's pass inside the box, before scuffing an effort across goal and into the bottom corner.

Costa had another chance to get on the scoresheet four minutes later, but after the striker was slipped through by Andre Schurrle's pass, his close-range effort was blocked by Begovic.

Oussama Assaidi saw a low strike parried by Courtois and Bojan fired wide, but the Blues saw out the rest of the match to claim the three points that have ensured top spot in the league on Christmas Day.