Costa scores as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace to extend their lead on the table

Diego Costa of Chelsea

- Chelsea on Saturday, December 17, 2016 defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in the Premier League

- Spanish international Diego Costa netted the only goal that gave the Blues the victory

- Antonio Conte's men have now extended their lead on the Premier League standings

English Premier League giants Chelsea have extended their leadership on the League standings after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday, December 17, 2016 in an explosive encounter.

Spanish striker Diego Costa scored the only goal in the 44th minutes that gave Antonio Conte's men the maximum three points as their points haul for the season is now 43 points.

The hosts started the game more impressive, but they were unable to sustain the attacking pressure of Chelsea.

Chelsea would have gone ahead in the 20th minutes when Eden Hazard fired a powerful shot, but he was denied by Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who was at full stretch.

Both sides went to the break with the visitors leading, and on resumption, things went sour for the hosts as they could not find a way to restore parity.