Latest: Chelsea 1 Arsenal 0 – Blues on course for derby triumph

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Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty saw Chelsea lead a fiery derby against Arsenal with the game entering its closing stages.

In a cagey first half bristling with animosity and ill-feeling between the two sides and managers, Hazard netted from the spot after a superb jinking run that saw him fouled by Laurent Koscielny, who was lucky not to be sent off.

Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho exchanged angry words after a late challenge by Gary Cahill on Alexis Sanchez near the touchline, with Wenger moving out of technical area and pushing the Portuguese.

On the pitch there was little in the way of goalmouth action to a game delayed by 15 minutes because of an “incident” – believed to be a flare being let off near the away section of the ground.

Arsenal mindful of the 6-0 humiliation they suffered at Stamford Bridge last season, were limited in their attacking intent and defended deep.

Their brightest moment saw Sanchez race through and smash into Thibaut Courtois, who took a blow to the head and soon had to be replaced by Petr Cech.

But Chelsea also struggled to create chances in a game that already seems certain to be remembered for Wenger shoving Mourinho.

Chelsea played more cautiously after the interval, with Cesc Fabregas sitting deeper alongside the outstanding Nemanja Matic and letting Hazard and Andre Schurrle do the bulk of the attacking.

One Hazard effort almost led to a second Blues goal when his driven cross struck Mathieu Flamini and forced a fine block from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

At the other end, Santi Cazorla shot wide after a fine move and Jack Wilshere led the calls for a penalty after his shot hit Fabregas on the arm.

The Blues could extend their lead over Arsenal to nine points with a victory and – depending on Southampton’s result against Tottenham – could be five points clear at the top of the table.

Schurrle and Oscar both started for Chelsea meaning Willian was on the bench, while Arsenal were without the injured Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois (Cech 24); Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle (Mikel 70), Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Zouma, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Willian, Salah, Remy.

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