Chelsea are on course to open up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League table after taking a 1-0 lead into the break of their clash against Stoke City this evening.

The Blues opened the scoring in the second minute when John Terry powered in a header from Cesc Fabregas's corner.

It took until midway through the first half for Stoke to pose a threat, as Steven Nzonzi's deflected attempt forced Thibaut Courtois into a one-handed save.

Diego Costa came within inches of adding a second for Chelsea on the half-hour mark, but after beating the offside trap and racing clear, he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

It proved to be the last chance of the first 45 minutes, as Jose Mourinho's side held on to their lead going into half time.