“Champions-elect” Chelsea put in a strong performance to defeat West Ham 2-1 and move 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Eden Hazard opened the scoring on the 25th minute after a flowing counter-attack at the London Stadium and the visitors doubled the score when Diego Costa capitalised on poor West Ham defending to turn home Cesc Fabregas’ corner.
A stoppage-time strike by Manuel Lanzini reduced the deficit but it came too late for the Hammers to stage a comeback as Chelsea held on to extend their lead atop the table.
Antonio Conte’s side are now 10 points ahead of second-place Tottenham and 11 clear of Manchester City, who could cut that advantage to eight with victory over Stoke, on Wednesday.
Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge next in their FA Cup quarter-final on Monday.
West Ham remain 11th and travel to Bournemouth on Saturday in the Premier League.
Moses and Pedro were denied by Aaron Cresswell and Randolph respectively after Costa had wasted a promising chance created by Hazard.
The visitors almost grabbed a third through Costa on the break but a fantastic fingertip stop by Randolph denied the striker.
