Branislav Ivanovic's memorable strike was enough to give Chelsea a slender 2-1 win over hosts Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.

Victory for Jose Mourinho's men sees them lead the way in the league standings on 56 points, with chasing Manchester City now trailing by seven points.

Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 7, 2015 © Getty Images

The game began in a fiery manner as Tom Cleverley threw himself into a tackle on Chelsea left-back Cesar Azpilicueta, and could have no complaints as he was punished with the fixture's first yellow card.

The visitors took the lead after only eight minutes, as Hazard collected from Willian in the centre of the box before tucking into the bottom-left corner past Brad Guzan.

Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard celebrates scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 7, 2015 © Getty Images

The Belgian international looked to turn provider just a few minutes later, only for Oscar to fire his attempt wide of the target without troubling the Villa keeper.

Villa came back with an attack of their own down the left when Fabian Delph crossed for Gabriel Agbonlahor, but the striker's header flew high and wide without troubling Thibaut Courtois.

Paul Lambert must have given his side a talking to during the interval, as they came out to end their goal drought when Jores Okore was left free at the back post to head in from a Carles Gil corner.

Aston Villa's Ivorian-born Danish defender Jores Okore jumps to head the ball past Chelsea's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make the score 1-1, during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park in Birmi © Getty Images

Mourinho's men looked to respond through box-to-box man Nemanja Matic, who was denied down at the bottom corner by Guzan following a strong shot from distance.

The Blues took control of the midfield as they pushed to go back in front, with Willian squandering two good chances as he shot wide to the left on two separate occasions, much to the chagrin of the creative Hazard.

The league leaders grabbed the winner in a memorable fashion, as long-range specialist Ivanovic took aim from distance to bullet an unstoppable strike into the top corner past a bemused Guzan in the 66th minute.