A late penalty from Eden Hazard secured a 2-1 victory for league leaders Chelsea at home to Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.
Oscar put the hosts in front before the break, but after the restart the Blues were pegged back by QPR striker Charlie Austin.
However, Hazard ensured that the away side's efforts would go unrewarded when he rolled the ball in from 12 yards out.
Find out how the match unfolded with Sports Mole's minute by minute updates below.
2.02pmAfternoon all. Tomorrow eyes will be firmly fixed on the Manchester derby, but right now we will be covering an all-London affair between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge. A home win is expected, but this is the Premier League and anything can happen!
2.03pmBefore we look at this contest in a little more depth, the team news is just beginning to filter through. Let's begin with a look at how the home side will start this contest.
2.04pmCHELSEA XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
2.05pmCHELSEA SUBS: Cech, Zouma, Ake, Ramires, Salah, Schurrle, Drogba
2.08pmAs expected, after a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, leading goalscorer Diego Costa has returned to lead the Chelsea attack. His presence means that Didier Drogba drops down to the bench, where he will be joined by Ramires following the Brazilian's recovery from injury. Aside from that there are no major surprises from Jose Mourinho, with Filipe Luis having kept his place at left-back in the absence of the suspended Cesar Azpilicueta.
2.09pmStaying with full-back Luis just for a minute, he has just been quoted on Chelsea's Twitter page as saying: "QPR are a really difficult opponent. They won their last game and played really well. We are prepared and ready, we trained really well this week and we have to do our best to win this game."
© Getty Images
2.10pmAnd now for visiting QPR's starting lineup...
2.11pmQPR XI: Green; Isla, Caulker, Dunne, Suk-Young; Sandro, Henry, Fer, Hoilett; Vargas, Austin
2.13pmQPR SUBS: Murphy, Traore, Hill, Phillips, Wright-Phillips, Kranjcar, Zamora
2.15pmHaving impressed on his last two starts, Bobby Zamora has dropped down to the bench. Considering his ongoing hip problems, that isn't too much of a surprise. In his absence, Chilean international Eduardo Vargas will partner Charlie Austin in attack, while Junior Hoilett will start out wide. In the absence of the suspended Rio Ferdinand, Richard Dunne and Steven Caulker will continue their partnership at centre-back.
2.18pmAnd just in case you wanted visual evidence of how the R's are going to start this encounter...
BREAKING #CHEvQPR TEAM NEWS pic.twitter.com/JsmIFLFujI
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) November 1, 20142.21pmRight, let's see what the two managers have had to say in the days leading up to this encounter, starting with Mourinho:
"I think that I know what to expect from QPR, and I can say it will be a difficult game for us. It's the first time that I play against QPR. London is a special place because of the number of derbies, which makes it unique."
2.24pmAnd here is QPR boss Redknapp's viewpoint: "We pulled off a shock last time, let's hope we can pull off another this weekend. We'll need a top performance, they're the best team in the country, the team to beat this season for sure, but we'll give it a go."
2.27pmOf course, if Redknapp's men are to pick up a positive result, they are going to have to somehow shackle the returning Costa - something most teams have found impossible this season. The Spain international has scored nine Premier League goals, six of which have come at Stamford Bridge. It certainly promises to be a tough afternoon's work for Dunne and Caulker.
2.31pmVIDEO! We've seen what the two managers think, but what about Sports Mole's 'On The Sofa' team? Here is how myself and Matt Law see this game panning out:
2.35pmWhile there are not many people that have predicted a QPR win, the visitors can at least take heart from what happened when they last made the short trip to Stamford Bridge in January 2013. The R's were bottom, but a late goal from former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips stole all three points for Redknapp's men. It was also QPR's first London derby away victory since way back in 1995!
2.39pmHere are the Chelsea players heading out for the warm-up:
Out go the team to warm up. Just over 30 mins to go... #CFC https://t.co/TApfconGit
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) November 1, 20142.43pmHEAD TO HEAD: Of the 53 meetings between these two sides, Chelsea lead the way with 20 wins to QPR's 15. Prior to their win at Stamford Bridge in 2013, the visitors last won there back in 1986 during a League Cup tie.
2.47pmFormer Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince is working for BBC Sport today and he has been waxing lyrical about the hosts, although he does not expect them to go the whole campaign unbeaten:
"Chelsea do have great strength in depth, but for me Diego Costa is vital. Loic Remy has done well, Didier Drogba always gets you goals but to say Chelsea will go unbeaten is a little bit too much for me. But they do look strong.
"Thibaut Courtois was brilliant at Atletico Madrid last season, and he has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He has been absolutely phenomenal. When you think how well Petr Cech did last year, and still Jose Mourinho was prepared to drop him."
2.50pmRight, there's now just 10 minutes to go until we are off and running in West London. It's a bright day today - you wouldn't think that it's the start of November, that's for sure! Let's hope that the football lives up to the weather.
2.54pmSTATISTIC! A mixed stat from Opta for those of a QPR persuasion:
5 - Harry Redknapp has lost just one of his last six Premier League clashes with Chelsea, but lost all five v Jose Mourinho. Outfoxed.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 20142.57pmAnd here come the two sets of players. Once the handshakes have taken place, we will be underway.
2.59pmIn fact, before we do start, a 60-second silence will be observed ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
1 minKICKOFF! Visiting QPR, attacking from left to right during the first half, get this all-London Premier League encounter underway.
3 minChelsea have had three corners in quick succession, which Cesc Fabregas has swung into the danger area. Credit to QPR, though, because they've been able to clear each of them with minimal fuss.
5 minWe've just seen a sign of QPR's intention today. Having won possession inside his own half, Sandro gets his head up an immediately launches a pass forward for Austin, who manages to get himself in the middle of Terry and Cahill. However, the ball skids away from the QPR striker and the danger passes.
9 minAs you would expect, Chelsea have dominated the possession during these opening exchanges. Fair play to QPR, though, because so far they have defended well, with the Blues having been unable to call Rob Green in the away net into action.
12 minCHANCES! Good stuff from Chelsea as they carve out their first opening. Willian picks out Costa, who in turn flicks the ball into the path of Oscar. With defenders approaching, the playmaker goes for goal, but his low effort from 16 yards out squirms wide of Green's near post. Then, moments later, Ivanovic fires Willian's low cross wide from close range.
16 minCHANCE! Another goalscoring opportunity, but this time it's for QPR. It's all about Hoilett's pace as he gets to the byline and sends over a floated cross. Austin gets up highest and while his header troubles Courtois, the ball lands on the roof of the net. Nonetheless, it's a warning for the hosts.
20 minStill Chelsea continue to pass the ball around the pitch, but too much of it from their point of view is being done in front of the QPR defence and midfield, who look well organised at present. Of course, it could all change in a couple of seconds, but right now it looks good for the away side.
25 minSAVE! First piece of work for Green and he does very well to get down to his right to turn Fabregas's daisy-cutter around the post. The resultant corner is taken quickly, but it comes to nothing.
29 minOne player performing particularly well for QPR so far has been Vargas. The lively Chilean is usually a striker, but playing in a wide role today, he is required to help out his full-back, which he is doing. Moments ago, Luis looked to have a free run down the flank, but in slid Vargas to win back the ball.
30 minHere's a bit of match action for you as Costa and Caulker compete for possession.
© Getty Images
32 minGOAL! CHELSEA 1-0 QPR (OSCAR)
32 minYou can defend as solidly as you like, but when Oscar produces a finish like this, there isn't much that you can do. Costa lays the ball into the path of Fabregas and the Spaniard plays in Oscar on the right hand side of the box. It seems that the angle is too acute for the Brazilian, but he uses the outside of his right boot to bend the ball out of Green's reach and inside the far post. You won't see many better goals than that today, that's for sure. It's harsh on QPR, but that is why Chelsea are the title favourites.
36 minAll of a sudden, there is a bit more purpose about Chelsea. Their passing is crisper and there is more intent. It's vitally important for QPR that they do not concede again before the break. If they do, it could well be curtains.
40 minHere is a stat - again from Opta - which continues to make it baffling why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was not keen to re-sign Fabregas in the summer:
10 - Cesc Fabregas has been involved in 10 goals (one goal, nine assists) in 10 league games for Chelsea. Wizard.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 201443 minAs the half draws to a close, Chelsea are probing away, trying to score the second goal that will surely seal all three points. Right now, QPR are defending well, but the pressure is building.
45 minThere will be one minute of stoppage time at the end of this first half.
45+1 minHALF-TIME: CHELSEA 1-0 QPR
3.50pmThere goes the whistle for the break and you have to feel for QPR slightly. They've done nothing wrong, but have been undone by one moment of brilliance.
3.53pmSo, what will Mourinho be saying to his players? They looked a little jaded, but as soon as Oscar scored, they came to life. The ball was moved around the pitch with more purpose and openings started to be carved out. No doubt he will want more of the same after the restart. One more goal should secure the victory.
3.55pmAs for Redknapp in the away dressing room, his players have pretty much executed the plan that he sent them out with. They have defended stubbornly and been well organised. Going forward it's been tougher, but when you go to Stamford Bridge, you expect Chelsea to have most of the ball, meaning that opportunities will be limited. As far as their chances of getting something from this contest go, they cannot afford to concede early in the second half.
4.00pmIn terms of substitutions, it might not be long until we see Zamora, fitness permitting of cause. His physical presence and hold-up play could cause Chelsea some problems.
4.02pmAnd before we get back underway, here's an image of Oscar celebrating his goal.
© Getty Images
46 minRESTART! Chelsea, who lead 1-0, get the second half started at Stamford Bridge.
48 minSomeone that isn't watching QPR today is their midfielder Joey Barton, who is injured. It seems that he couldn't get a ticket!
Been a change of plan. Heading now to Brentford v Derby. Couldn't get a ticket for Chelsea v QPR? 😃 #nojoke
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) November 1, 201452 minTo be fair to the away side, they've started this second half in positive mood. Both Vargas and Hoilett are causing problems down the flanks, but it's the crossing that has let the duo down. What is important, though, is that those two players do not forget their defensive responsibilities.
56 minCHANCE! So close for Chelsea as they spring away on the counter-attack. Willian's cross from the right is a teasing one, but Hazard could do with being a couple of inches taller because his stretch is not quite big enough and the ball rolls out of play. Any sort of contact would surely have ended in a second goal for the home team.
58 minDue to the fact that QPR are getting a little bit of joy down the flanks, it might not be long until we see Zamora come on. He's certainly more of a threat in the air to Chelsea than Austin.
60 minCHANCE! It's the old Atletico Madrid one-two for Chelsea as Luis and Costa exchanges passes inside the area, but the former's effort is lashed well over the crossbar.
61 minQPR SUB: Here comes Zamora and he replaces Hoilett, who had been looking lively.
62 minGOAL! CHELSEA 1-1 QPR (AUSTIN)
62 minWell, well - that has certainly put the cat among the pigeons! Fer's initial shot seems harmless enough, but an alert Austin is able to divert the ball beyond the reach of Courtois. QPR are level and to be fair, their positivity in this second half has deserved that! Game on at Stamford Bridge.
65 minCHELSEA SUB: Mourinho has reacted to the equaliser as he turns to Drogba, who has taken the place of Willian. It's now a pairing of Costa and Drogba up front for Chelsea.
68 minAustin's goal certainly made the suspended Ferdinand a happy man!
Come on you RRRRRRRR's!!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 1, 201469 minCHANCE! And all of a sudden, QPR are on top! Terry's clearance is a poor one and only finds Sandro 20 yards from goal. Having had one touch to settle himself, the Brazilian midfielder drives his low shot goalwards, only to see it deflect inches wide of the target off Cahill. The home faithful are growing slightly restless.
71 minSAVE! Meanwhile, up the other end, Oscar is hunting for his second goal. His powerful free-kick calls Green into action and from the resultant corner Hazard lashes a half-volley wildly over the target.
74 minHere's some images to put a smile on the face of QPR fans:
PHOTO: @chazaustin9 celebrates his equaliser against @chelseafc #CHEvQPR pic.twitter.com/Vlr2S2esZ9
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) November 1, 201474 minCHANCE! And Austin should be celebrating his second goal. It's a great counter-attack from QPR which ends with Zamora picking out his strike partner on the edge of the area. His shot is a scuffed one, though, and it flies well wide. He should be doing much better with that.
75 minPENALTY TO CHELSEA!
75 minGOAL! CHELSEA 2-1 QPR (HAZARD, PEN)
75 minMr Vargas - what an earth were you thinking?! All that hard work from QPR and it's been undone as their Chilean winger brings down Hazard inside the area. The away side claim it's a soft award, but it's a needless challenge from Vargas. Hazard dusts himself down to convert the resultant penalty with consummate ease. Chelsea are back in front - can QPR respond again?
78 minCHELSEA SUB: Costa has looked a little rusty today and it's the end of his afternoon. On comes Germany international Andre Schurrle in his place.
83 minSAVES! Right now, Green is keeping QPR in this game. First Schurrle tests the veteran keeper with a low shot and then from the resultant corner he does well to turn away Terry's powerful header. Chelsea are turning the screw.
85 minQPR SUB: Second change of the match for QPR as the quiet Fer goes off and is replaced by Armand Traore.
88 minIt's getting to the stage now where QPR are going to have to pour men forward in search of an equalising goal. It leaves them vulnerable to attacks up the other end, but needs must.
90 minThere will be three minutes of stoppage time at the end of this contest. Can the R's grab a dramatic equaliser?
90+1 minCHELSEA SUB: Mourinho attempts to run down the clock by making his third and final change, which sees Ramires replace the likely match-winner Hazard.
90+3 minFULL TIME: CHELSEA 2-1 QPR
4.51pmThere goes the final whistle and Chelsea hold out for all three points. It was a lot closer than what had been anticipated and for that QPR should be credited. Ultimately, though, it's the league leaders that are celebrating.
4.53pmThat is all we have time for from Stamford Bridge. Thanks for joining us this afternoon, but be sure to stick with Sports Mole for reaction, analysis and player ratings of all the action. Until next time, goodbye.
