Two early goals and a West Brom red card helped Chelsea cruise a 2-0 home win on Saturday, moving the London’s club record to 10 wins and two draws through 12 matches.
The three points ensures Chelsea’s lead will be at least 4 points pending Southampton’s result at Aston Villa on Monday.
The Baggies drift back toward the relegation zone with a three-point advantage on 18th.
[ RELATED: Latest Premier League standings ]
The 12th minute saw the opener, with Oscar’s curling pass served to the penalty spot for Costa to chest trap down for a second-touch goal. It was 1-0 Chelsea in the 11th minute.
And Hazard made it 2-0 when he touched a low-played corner kick around Craig Gardner and goalkeeper Ben Foster in the 25th minute. Cesc Fabregas picked up the assist.
[ RELATED: Watch full match replays ]
All hope for a surprising West Brom comeback became moot when Alan Irvine’s team was condemned to 10 men. Claudio Yacob received a red card for a two-footed jump toward Costa. It was all about intent, as Costa jumped into the West Brom player as well.10 - Cesc Fabregas has reached 10 assists in just 12 PL games this season, faster than any other player in a single PL campaign. Provider.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 22, 2014
Lineups
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian (Ramires , 86'), Oscar (Remy, 79'), Hazard, Costa (Drogba , 84').
Goal: Costa (11'), Hazard (25')
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Baird (Gamboa, 68'), Dorrans (Morrison, 84'), Gardner, Brunt, Yacob (Red card, 29'), Sessegnon, Berahino (Anichebe, 78')
