Cole Palmer starred again as Chelsea secured the West London derby bragging rights with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts were quick out of the traps with Armando Broja flashing an early header wide.
Fulham improved and went close through Harry Wilson before a lovely piece of skill from Raheem Sterling led to a penalty that Palmer converted in first-half stoppage time.
Sterling then hit the post with a free header and Palmer orchestrated a succession of openings in the second period as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
Fulham responded with Raul Jimenez having a low strike well saved but The Cottagers could not find the goal to earn a share of the spoils.
The result sees Chelsea make it three league wins on the spin and moves them up to eighth spot ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.
Fulham, who have now lost five league away games in a row, are 13th.
Next up, Chelsea host Middlesbrough in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final on Tuesday, January 23. Fulham are at home to Liverpool in the same competition 24 hours later.
Eurosport