Chelsea
Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal against Queens Park Rangers during their English Premier League match at Stamford BridgeReuters

Chelsea maintained their top position in the Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge.

Oscar's early goal was cancelled out by Charlie Austin at the hour mark before Eden Hazard netted the winner via a penalty in the closing stages of the match.

The Blues started off well as they forced a number of corners in the opening stages, with Diego Costa, who finally returned to the team after a four-match absence due to injury, threatening in the 4th minute of the game.

The hosts carved out their first real chance in the 12th minute when Costa, after receiving a pass from Willian, flicked the ball towards Oscar. The Brazilin fired a low effort from 16 yards out but the shot rolled wide of the target.

Moments later Willian picked out Ivanovic with a good cross, but the Serbian fired wide of the post.

QPR created their first chance of the game in the 16th minute when Junior Hoilett whipped a cross into the box. Austin, who scored a brace in QPR's last game, managed to get at the end of the cross but his header went over the crossbar.

Despite Chelsea's dominance in the opening exchanges, the Hoops did well to quell the likes Oscar, Willian and Hazard, who struggled to find space in QPR's defensive third.

The in-form Cesc Fabregas fired a long range effort in the 25th minute but an alert Green managed to make a relatively comfortable save.

The Blues finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Oscar, who found the net with an absolutely brilliant finish with the outside of his boot after receiving a good assist from Fabregas.

Hazard got a good chance to double the scoreline right after the break but he failed to make use of Willian's inviting cross in the 56th minute.

Despite Chelsea's continued attacks, it was QPR who found the leveller in the 62nd minute through Austin, who managed to slot the ball past Thibaut Courtois after receiving a good ball from Leroy Fer.

However, the scores were not level for long as Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute following Vargas' challenge on Hazard in the box.

The Belgian stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, sealing the three points for Chelsea.


Chelsea vs Queens Park Rangers 2-1 by myflexmood1