Chelsea Win At Bournemouth

Chelsea maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an entertaining victory over spirited Bournemouth.

Pressured by Tottenham's earlier thrashing of Watford, the visitors looked to be cruising after two goals in three first-half minutes.

But Bournemouth, who had already hit the post, got back into the contest through Joshua King's long-range deflected effort.

The Cherries continued to press after half-time, only for Chelsea to gradually regain control and secure the points through Marcos Alonso's impeccable free-kick.

The Blues next travel to Manchester United, their sternest of six league fixtures between now and the end of the season.

If they return from Old Trafford with their seven-point advantage still intact, they will be a huge step closer to a sixth title and fifth in the Premier League era.

A week ago, Chelsea's seemingly unstoppable march to glory was disrupted by a shock home defeat by Crystal Palace, giving hope to second-placed Tottenham.

However, they got back on track by beating Manchester City and seemed unaffected by Spurs' earlier victory in producing an emphatic start in the south-coast sun.

If the Chelsea first goal was bizarre - Diego Costa's scuffed shot went in off the head of grounded home defender Adam Smith - the second was sublime.

N'Golo Kante, excellent in both winning the ball and moving the visitors forward, found the equally impressive Eden Hazard with a precision long pass, allowing the galloping Belgian to round home keeper Artur Boruc.

The away side were pegged back either side of half-time, but gradually reasserted themselves as the second period progressed and Alonso's curling, dipping free-kick killed the contest.