Antonio Conte fires warning to title rivals over Diego Costa

West Brom boss Tony Pulis was left to lament McAuley’s costly mistake that gifted Chelsea victory, but refused to be angry with his players: “The goal’s disappointing because Gareth should have dealt with it”, said Pulis.

And when Fabregas sent a hopeful ball forward, Costa’s relentlessness conjured up a goal out of nothing.

Costa’s 12th league goal in his last 15 appearances gave Blues a ninth successive league win for the first time since 2007.

Fletcher rued a missed opportunity to take what would have been a hard-earned point – against the side now favourite to lift the league crown on current form – adding the lack of chances West Brom created themselves led to their own downfall.

West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob vies with Chelsea’s Diego Costa (up) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on December 11, 2016.

Costa charged down Ben Foster’s clearance only for the goalkeeper to claim the rebound.

With 25 minutes on the clock, David Luiz was left apologising to his team-mates as Rondon robbed him just outside the box but, thankfully for the Brazilian, Rondon’s shot just trickled past the post.

Costa failed to connect with Pedro’s teasing cross, before Luiz had the first effort on target with a free-kick.

West Brom could welcome back Nacer Chadli on Sunday, with James Morrison a doubt.

Cesar Azpilicueta (7) – Azpilicueta was superb for Chelsea in the back.

Antonio Conte insists Chelsea are cleaning up their disciplinary act, amid threats of a Premier League points deduction.

However, it is not just this season that Conte has proven himself to be a formidable manager.

Chelsea continued to press, but remained unable to split West Brom’s regimented rearguard. If Chelsea continues to play at such a high level, the record could be in trouble.

Manchester United ended a frustrating run of four consecutive home draws in the league with an impressive 1-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

The Blues have been the Premier League’s top performing team in recent weeks, and the west London side now lead the way at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal set this record during the 2001-02 season.

Conte feels that the Spaniard has learnt to control his aggression on the pitch, although he picked up four bookings early in the season and remains at risk of a one-match ban should he receive a yellow card in any of Chelsea’s next four games.

He’s scored 12 goals this season, becoming a major part of how and why his side has become extremely dominant.