Gary Cahill's thumping volley has given Chelsea a 1-0 half-time lead over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in today's Premier League encounter.

Despite plenty of chances for the home side during the opening 45 minutes, it was the Blues who landed the killer blow through the central defender's fourth goal of the season.

© PA Photos

Both sides contributed to a lively start as William Gallas and Oscar both saw their efforts go off target.

The deadlock was broken on 17 minutes in spectacular style as Gary Cahill fired in a superb volley on the edge of the box after Spurs had failed to clear their lines from a corner.

The hosts reacted instantly and Jermain Defoe's low drive forced a good save from Petr Cech before Ashley Cole cleared the danger.

They had another chance with half an hour played, but Gylfi Sigurdsson could only find the sidenetting following good work from Aaron Lennon.

Juan Mata should have doubled his side's lead in the final minutes of the half, but he was denied by Brad Friedel before blasting the rebound over.