John Obi Mikel broke his Premier League duck as Chelsea claimed bragging rights with a comfortable derby win against Fulham.

The Nigerian midfielder struck his first goal in185 league games to clinch victory after Oscar had given the Blues the lead at the start of the second half.

Jose Mourinho axed David Luiz and Juan Mata from the Chelsea squad, while Fulham were without the injured Dimitar Berbatov.

Darren Bent, returning to the starting line-up, wasted a glorious chance to give the visitors the lead when Pajtim Kasami sent him in the clear, only for Petr Cech to block his effort.

At the other end, Eden Hazard went down under the challenge of Sascha Riether, but referee Andre Marriner waved away penalty appeals.

Chelsea struggled to break Fulham down, with Branislav Ivanovic denied by David Stockdale on the stroke of half-time.

The hosts flew out of the blocks after the break and forced four quick-fire corners, but failed to make them count.

However, they broke the deadlock on 52 minutes through Oscar.

Stockdale fumbled Andre Schurrle's shot, and although the keeper denied Samuel Eto'o, Oscar was on hand to slam home the loose ball.

Fulham had the chance to level almost immediately, only for former Blue Steve Sidwell to head the wrong side of the post.

The Whites brought on Adel Taarabt and Buomesca Tue Na Bangna as they tried to salvage something from the game.

Gary Cahill's point-blank header almost made it 2-0, only for Stockdale to somehow keep it out.

But from the resulting corner, Mikel stabbed home from John Terry's knock-down to wrap up the points.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Schurrle (Lampard 79), Oscar, Hazard (De Bruyne 88), Eto’o (Torres 64).

Subs (not used): Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Essien, Willian.

Fulham: Stockdale, Riether, Hangeland, Amorebieta, Richardson, Duff (Taarabt 64), Sidwell (Rodallega 85), Parker, Kacaniklic (Na Bangna 72), Kasami, Bent.

Subs (not used): Etheridge, Senderos, Karagounis, Zverotic.

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