Chelsea have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
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The home side looked the stronger of the two sides from the start, and had an early chance when a failed clearance from Carl Jenkinson left Oscar with a sight at goal, but he could only fire over.
Adrian continued to come under pressure at the back as Gary Cahill tried to head it in, before forcing a save a few minutes later with a powerful finish from the edge of the box.
Chelsea's dominance paid off with just over half an hour played though, as Jose Mourinho's side forced a corner leaving Diego Costa to flick the ball forward for the captain to tap in.
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Nemanja Matic and Costa both came close to doubling the home side's lead before the break, but Adrian continued to look sharp between the posts for the Hammers.
West Ham made a bright start to the second half, forcing a corner just moments after the action got back underway, but Chelsea quickly made the clearance.
The visitors were immediately put under pressure down the other end, with Willian slotting the ball in for Eden Hazard with a quick counter-attack, but Adrian was ready to deny the Belgian.
The hosts eventually added a second just after the hour mark as Costa got the better of James Collins with a quick run before slicing the ball in from a tight angle.
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The Spaniard could have added another just a few minutes later when Branislav Ivanovic picked Costa out with a cross, but the striker's volley went wide.
Adrian continued to keep West Ham in contention, palming an Oscar effort away from just a few feet out before blocking a Matic strike.
West Ham almost gave themselves a chance to push for a draw late on when Morgan Amalfitano came off the bench and struck the post when the chipped the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois.
Didier Drogba could have put the result beyond doubt when his tried the blast the ball in with a shot from outside the box, but the veteran forward failed to trouble Adrian.
The result moves Chelsea six points clear at the top of the table, although they have played a match more than second-placed Manchester City, while West Ham remain fourth.
Sian Cowper
