Cesc Fabregas’ 50th Premier League goal boosted Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as his early winner increased relegation concern for Swansea City.
Fabregas’ fourth-minute curler – his first goal in the league since August – was enough to see off Swansea, who remained competitive but without a cutting edge.
The result puts Chelsea two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who play their game in hand against Watford on Monday.
It was the first time since early January that Swansea have lost a Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium, but their failure to find a goal threat means they remain in relegation trouble.
Andre Ayew and brother Jordan both went close, but a late push for an equaliser went unrewarded to extend the Swans’ winless run to six going into their final three fixtures.
Carlos Carvalhal’s men are now only a point ahead of Southampton after the Saints beat Bournemouth earlier in the day. Swansea face the Cherries next weekend.
The result earned a reprieve for West Brom, who would have been relegated to the Championship if Swansea had drawn.
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