A LATE Eden Hazard penalty saw Chelsea inch past a spirited Queens Park Rangers side at Stamford Bridge.
Rangers kept the unbeaten league leaders at bay for the vast majority of the encounter, buoyed by their visiting 3000 from W12.
The deadlock was broken by Brazilian Oscar who curled a fine effort with the outside of his foot across Rob Green and in off the left-hand upright.
The visitors were always in the game despite Chelsea’s possessional dominance and they deservedly levelled when a speculative drive from Leroy Fer saw Charlie Austin’s audacious flick creep beyond Cortios and roll into the corner.
Defending manfully, Rangers frustrated the hosts with Richard Dunne imperious. Sadly Chelsea earned a penalty late on when Vargas’ challenge saw Eden Hazard crumble and referee Mike Jones eagerly pointed to the spot.
The Belgian netted the spot kick, but all that could be heard was the visiting support who hailed their team’s performance despite the slender defeat. Chelsea will silently canter to the title but Rangers ambitions will not be confirmed or denied by this fixture alone.
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