Chelsea have edged past a spirited Queens Park Rangers with a 2-1 win this afternoon thanks to Eden Hazard's late penalty.
As expected, Chelsea started strongly, with the Blues dominating possession in the opening exchanges.
Despite their strong start, however, QPR keeper Rob Green was rarely tested in the away net early on as the visitors defended well.
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This soon changed as Willian picked out Diego Costa, who prodded the ball into the path of Oscar.
The Brazilian did well to drive towards goal, but his low effort from 16 yards out squirmed wide of Green's near post.
Moments later, Branislav Ivanovic smashed wide from close range as the hosts ramped up the pressure.
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QPR's resistance was eventually broken by Oscar, who bent the ball with the outside of his right boot past Green and into the net to make it 1-0 at the break.
The hosts came out determined to extend their advantage after the break, and Eden Hazard came within inches of getting onto the end of Willian's cross in what would have resulted in a goal.
Despite Chelsea's dominance, QPR battled and were rewarded when Charlie Austin scored against the run of play to get them back in the game.
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It was a deserved goal for Harry Redknapp's side, who stayed positive throughout the match, and they might have got a second after Austin spurned a glorious chance when found by Bobby Zamora.
Their profligacy was eventually punished by Chelsea, who stole a winner when Hazard converted a penalty he had won himself after Eduardo Vargas brought the Belgian down in the box.
Benjamin Topliss
