Chelsea Snatch A Late Winner Against Everton

Chelsea were rewarded with a late winner in the closing minutes of the game as Frank Lampard's deep cross from a free-kick was deflected in by Everton's goalkeeper, Tim Howard.

The late winner takes Chelsea to 60 points, four above second placed Arsenal on 56 points who is to host Sunderland later in the day's encounter


Having dropped points at West Brom in their last top-flight fixture, Jose Mourinho's men looked set to be frustrated again by an Everton side that had presentable chances of their own.

Everton, whose last league win at Chelsea came in 1994, remain sixth but have now suffered three successive away defeats to teams above them.

Captain, John Terry returned to the lineup while David luiz returns to the bench, while Frank Lampard and oscar were recalled by Jose Mourinho. Everton suffered a huge blow as Lacina Traore picked up a hamstring injury in the warm-up and Steven Naismith replaced the  towering centre forward.

Willian dragged a low shot wide as the hosts started brightly, but Everton soon settled, enjoying prolonged spells of possession, and almost moved ahead in the 12th minute.

Naismith laid the ball into Osman's path 25 yards out and the midfielder's powerful first-time shot forced a fine one-handed save from Cech.

Everton's Kevin Mirallas then wasted a fine opportunity just before half-time, scuffing a shot into Naismith having been given space on the edge of the box.

Tim Howard was at alert to deny Samuel Eto'o from inside the penalty area minutes to the end of the first half.

Ramires replaced Oscar as the game resumed for the second period and chelsea wasted no time to prove they are out for the kill; Lampard once again call Howard to duty after a neat exchange of pass with Eden Hazard.

However, Osman forced Cech to another finger tip save at the far post in the  58 minutes with a deflected strike off Kelvin Mirallas.

Chelsea should have taken the lead minutes later but a double superb save from Howard to deny Hazard before springing to his feet to keep out Branislav Ivanovic's close-range follow-up shot kept the game level.

Ramires' 89th minute shot from 25-yard flew narrowly wide.

With just 3 minutes of the 5 minutes added time played, Jagieka was booked for a foul on Ramires and the resultant free-kick taken by Lampard was deflected in by Howard as John Terry applied pressure on the goalkeeper.