JOSE MOURINHO’S Chelsea needed a last-gasp strike from Cesc Fabregas yesterday to beat west London rivals Queens Park Rangers in this tightly contested derby.

The Spaniard applied the finish in the 88th minute after a well-worked move involving Eden Hazard to preserve Chelsea’s seven-point margin at the top of the league.

“We kept good emotional control and never lost balance,” said the Chelsea manager, who acknowledged that his side had been fortunate to win in the manner that they did. “We scored in a crucial moment of the game.

The first half was played out at a frenetic pace. Neither team, however, were able to find the breakthrough.

Chelsea, who have lost just twice in the league this season, were forced to play Didier Drogba in attack as injuries meant that they were without top scorer Diego Costa, as well as Loic Remy.

Chelsea’s best chance of the match came early on when Willian’s low cross inadvertently struck the post.

The hosts had their chances too. On 44 minutes, striker Charlie Austin’s firmly hit shot tested Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

In the second half, Matt Phillips drew a fine save from the Belgian stopper.

Chris Ramsey’s men, without a victory at home this year, had conceded 15 goals in their last seven matches coming into this game.

However, despite Mourinho bringing on Oscar, on 56 minutes, and then Juan Cuadrado, the visitors could do little to break QPR’s rearguard as the home side held firm. However, Fabregas struck late on to steal the win.

Ramsey, whose side remain two points from safety, said: “The reason we are in this predicament is that the goals have been so soft.

“We are still in with a fight … we have ourselves to blame because of our concentration.

“Our concentration has been appalling.”