A goal from Oscar six minutes after the break put the home fans at ease before John Obi Mikel made sure of the points with his first ever league goal for the Blues.

The result sees Jose Mourinho's men, who were by no means at their best, draw level on points with Liverpool, but edge into first place by virtue of a better goal difference.

Chelsea's Ramires battles with Fulham midfielder Alex Kacaniklic for possession during their game on September 21, 2013 © Getty Images

It was the Cottagers who had the best of the first-half chances, with former Chelsea duo Damien Duff combining with Steve Sidwell in the third minute, only for the latter to miss the target with a header.

Darren Bent twice sprung the offside trap before the 15-minute mark, forcing Petr Cech to make saves to keep his team level.

A few boos could be heard around the stadium as an uninspiring first-half ended goalless, but any sense of frustration was abated when David Stockdale fumbled a weak effort from Andre Schurrle, allowing Oscar to sweep home at the back post.

Chelsea's Oscar scores a tap in against Fulham on September 21, 2013 © Getty Images

Martin Jol's side came close to equalising just three minutes later, but again Sidwell could not direct a header on target, this time from Patjim Kasami's free kick.

A long overdue goal from Mikel finally arrived in the 84th minute of his 259th appearance for the West Londoners.

The Nigerian international reacted quickest to John Terry's knockdown from a corner by slamming home an acrobatic volley, which put to bed any lingering fears of Fulham snatching a point.