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Chelsea logo
Premier League
May 3, 2015 at 1.30pm UK
 
Crystal Palace logo

1-0

Hazard (45')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Half-Time Report: Eden Hazard fires Chelsea ahead as Premier League title looms

Eden Hazard fires Chelsea into a 1-0 half-time lead over Crystal Palace as Jose Mourinho's side clasp one hand on the Premier League trophy.

Eden Hazard has fired Chelsea into a 1-0 half-time lead over Crystal Palace as Jose Mourinho's side clasp one hand on the Premier League trophy.

With victory guaranteeing the title, the Blues spent the majority of the first half toiling at the finish line in a title race that has effectively been over for a matter of weeks.

However, Hazard, crowned PFA Player of the Year last week, underlined his importance to the cause once again by heading home from close ranger after Julian Speroni saved his penalty on the stroke of half time.

Willian of Chelsea battles with Joe Ledley and Jason Puncheon of Crystal Palace during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on May 3, 2015© Getty Images

It took some 24 minutes for the champions elect to fashion a sight at goal, with Speroni's hashed punch falling to Nemanja Matic, whose hesitation before shooting allowed Palace time to snuff out the danger.

Speroni was called into action again minutes later to deny Blues captain John Terry following Didier Drogba's teasing delivery from a free kick - a missed opportunity that the hosts very nearly paid for.

Terry, lauded for his defensive solidity this season, hashed his clearance straight to Jason Puncheon, who looked poised to open the scoring but the home skipper threw his body in the way the shot.

Joe Ledley scuffed his volley wide of the target as another chance for the visitors went begging, before the hosts snatched a half-time lead.

Hazard went to ground under a challenge from James McArthur and Adrian Mariappa, with referee Kevin Friend pointing to the spot. The Belgian, usually so reliable from 12 yards, saw his spot-kick saved by Speroni, but was on hand to head home the rebound.

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Jose Mourinho, manager of Chelsea reacts on the touchline next to Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Spurs during the Barclays Premier League on January 1, 2015
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