- Blues go six clear of second place
- Fabregas, Willian combine for goal
- Black Cats remain dead last
Late heroics from Thibaut Courtois made it tight for Chelsea, who largely controlled a 1-0 win at Sunderland by virtue of a Willian and Cesc Fabregas produced first half goal at the Stadium of Light.
The win moves Antonio Conte‘s Blues six points clear of second- and third-placed Arsenal and Liverpool. They’ve won 10-straight in the Premier League.
Sunderland remains dead last, with 11 points.
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Though Chelsea quickly established itself in a chippy match, it was Adnan Januzaj who drew gasps from the crowd with a near miss from 17 yards in the 26th minute.
Diego Costa mishit a tremendous low cross from Marcos Alonso a moment later.
Fabregas put the Blues ahead about five minutes before the break, curving a classy low finish home after a 1-2 with Willian.
Januzaj stayed lively in the second half, forcing a strong left leg save from Thibaut Courtois still inside the first hour of play, and Victor Anichebe had a late chance well defended by the Blues.
Courtois then flew through the air to stop Patrick Van Aanholt deep into stoppage time, a fine save on one of Sunderland’s best.
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