CHELSEA stretched its lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL) table to 11 points after a 3-1 victory over battling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Cesc Fabregas marked his 300th Premier League appearance by firing the Blues ahead, poking the ball through the legs of Jack Cork and into the net.
The hosts were stunned when Swansea equalized from their first serious attempt on target on the stroke of halftime — Fernando Llorente heading in Gylfi Sigurdsson’s free-kick.
Fabregas hit the bar before Pedro’s curling effort restored the lead and Diego Costa netted the third from close range.
Swansea was denied a penalty when Cesar Azpilicueta handled inside the area at 1-1.
This was far from straightforward for Antonio Conte’s side and had referee Neil Swarbrick awarded Swansea a penalty shortly before Pedro made it 2-1 then the outcome might have been different.
However, in the end Chelsea’s sweeping forward play earned them a 10th straight home Premier League win as they took another significant step towards a second title in three seasons.
The Blues have 63 points from 26 games - three more than at the same stage in 2014-15 when last crowned champions of England.
Fabregas could have ended the game with four goals on his return to the side.
The Spain midfielder had a goal-bound shot deflected behind shortly before he opened the scoring, was denied by former Arsenal teammate Lukasz Fabianski and also rattled the bar.
With former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard watching on, Chelsea turned on the style.
While it required an error from Fabianski to restore the lead, Eden Hazard’s exquisite timing and pass for Costa to make it 3-1 was a delight.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said: “We played very well, it was a good performance, and we created many chances to score. We conceded at the end of the first half, after the time was finished, so in this case there was a bit of luck, but we showed great character in the second half.”
(SD-Agencies)
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