A late Gary Cahill goal sent Chelsea 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Stoke City.

The defender pounced on a poor Erik Pieters clearance at a corner three minutes from time to reward Chelsea for their dominance. Pieters had also conceded the corner with a misplaced backpass.

They had earlier taken the lead with the first shot of the game thanks to some quick thinking from Willian, who went for goal from a free-kick where everyone was waiting for a cross, and an error from Lee Grant who couldn’t keep the low shot out despite getting two hands to it.

However Stoke went into the break level though thanks to a Jon Walters penalty. He won the spot-kick himself too, being nudged by Gary Cahill before he could challenge for an overhit free-kick, but it must be said it was very soft.

The Blues were on top throughout the second half but struggled to break through, with Marcos Alonso coming closest when he sent a free-kick crashing onto the bar, but Cahill made amends for giving away the penalty to secure three points late on.

Chelsea’s nearest challengers Tottenham and Manchester City find themselves 13 points adrift with 11 matches remaining, and only a stunning meltdown can deny Antonio Conte the Premier League title in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. Stoke remain ninth.