Chelsea maintain five point lead on top of PL table post hard-fought 1-0 against West Ham

Chelsea edged past West Ham United 1-0 that helped them maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Eden Hazard headed the visitors ahead from Ramires' right-wing cross in the 22nd minute and Chelsea kept on pressing troublesome West Ham, denying them opportunities to score an equalizer. Ramires shot against the post for the visitors after the break before having a header brilliantly saved by Adrian.

West Ham troubled Chelsea throughout but wayward finishing ensured the visitors survived a nervy second half to hold on to another crucial victory, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's win at home to Leicester City means there is no change at the top of the Premier League and, with a game in hand, the title is Chelsea's to lose.

Chelsea were made to fight all the way for the three points, especially in a frenetic second half that saw West Ham squander a host of opportunities.

Chelsea's League Cup final win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was their first trophy since Jose Mourinho's return as manager in 2013, and they would hope there are more to come this campaign.

With only one defeat in their last 11 Premier League games, they looked on track again as, after dominating possession for 20 minutes, Hazard headed home Ramires' pinpoint cross, although West Ham felt the Belgian was offside.

In the second half, Ramires was denied by the post and Adrian before Willian had a shot cleared off the line, while Sakho was kept out by the impressive Thibaut Courtois as West Ham put their visitors under heavy pressure, but failed to score.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said that he believes the performance was magnificent, adding that Chelsea's goalkeeper made some fantastic saves, and claimed that the goal was offside by a hair's breadth.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said that the way West Ham play, nobody is better than them, adding that his players were fantastic. He said that they couldn't kill the game and these three points are massive for his side.