QPR 0-1 Chelsea
A Cesc Fabregas rifled winner two minutes from time send Chelsea even closer to a fourth Premier League title, and cast further doubt on QPR's tenure in the top flight.
A first shot on goal for the Blues in the 88th minute, was enoug to win them the three points – as well as west London's bragging rights.
At the outset, Jose Mourinho's main change was forced on him – back-up striker Loic Remy left out of the 18, due to an unexplained minor muscular injury.
Returning legend Didier Drogba filled his boots.
Meanwhile Izzy Brown – one of the stars of Chelsea's UEFA Youth League U19 side bound for Mondays final in Nyon, found space on the bench.
QPR had the brighter start – finding Charlie Austin in the final quarter of the pitch a couple of times, but never really threatening Thibaut Courtois' goal.
The game was mostly played out, however, in the physical argy bargy of midfield – where tackles and shoves from both sides flew in thick and fast.
Chelsea, meanwhile, simply weren't clicking – partly due to their host suffocation of their game, but also because of an apparent rustiness in picking out Drogba.
He best moment of a quite forgettable half game right towards its end – Charlie Austin forcing a diving save from Courtois with his long range shot
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Rangers again having a great chance on 63 minutes – Matt Phillips' turn and shot only being kept out by the lightning reactions of Courtois.
QPR looked set for a vital point – until a ping ponging of balls in their box saw Eden Hazard cut back for Fabregas, who rifled in from distance.
Cue riotous scenes in the away end.
Blues remain seven points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand. And the day they are uncatchable comes ever closer.
