Chelsea proved their title winning credentials once more by getting the best of a resilient West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

It truly was one of those games that only champions-elect manage to win as Tony Pulis's West Brom side managed to hold the Blues for the majority of the game.

And it appeared that the Blues would fail this test for a large portion of the game - only for Diego Costa to steal the spoils in the 77th minute.

Antonio Conte's men extended their Premier League winning streak to nine games in the process, thanks to the Spain international's 12th goal in 14 league games.

The players shake hands before kick off
Salomon Rondon and Gary Cahill go head to head in the Premier League clash

Both teams started in sluggish style, but it was Tony Pulis's West Brom which threatened to get an early breakthrough.

Chris Brunt and Kevin Phillips both struck efforts over the bar within 10 minutes, before Chelsea's top scorer Diego Costa weaved his way into the Baggies' box, but failed to pick out a teammate.

Eden Hazard then brought the Stamford Bridge crowd to its feet when he cut into the box from the left and played a lovely one-two with Costa , only to fire a tame effort at Ben Foster.

Salomon Rondon takes the game to Chelsea
Nemanja Matic and Claudio Yacob in action

But it was the visitors who upped the ante, with Brunt firing a a dangerous 25 yard effort narrowly wide, with Thibaut Courtois beaten.

Minutes later, it was the Baggies' key forward Salomon Rondon who tried his luck, bursting into the Blues' box but dragging his effort wide of Courtois' far post.

Pedro then fashioned two chances for the hosts, which very nearly saw them edge in front. The first, an inadvertent deflection from N'Golo Kante's 25 yard effort, which deflected inches wide with Foster beaten.

With seven minutes until the break, Pedro whipped in a nearly-lethal cross from the left, which evaded Costa in the centre by fractions.

Andrea Pirlo graced Stamford Bridge with his presence for the West Brom match
Antonio Conte is left frustrated as Chelsea struggle to break down West Brom

Blues fans would have been forgiven for hoping for more of a spectacle after the break, but they were to be sorely disappointed.

Tempers began to flare, and while West Brom's Dawson was perhaps fortunate to avoid receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Costa , the home crowd were livid when the resulting free kick was pushed behind by Foster - only for referee Mike Dean to give a goal kick.

Willian , on as a second-half substitute, struck a left footed effort from range wide of the West Brom goal with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Diego Costa appeals for a decision after a frustrating first half
Eden Hazard tries to force an opening at Stamford Bridge

It was Costa though, who made the telling contribution. After a long ball up to the forward from Cesc Fabregas - also on as a second half substitute - the Brazilian born striker beat Gareth McAuley and finished with his left foot into the top corner.

Marcos Alonso then tried his luck from range - driving over the bar - with less than five minutes remaining, but the Blues still had to survive some nervy moments as the visitors tossed the ball forward in hope of a leveller.