Chelsea are succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League clash at The Hawthorns following a lively first half which saw Cesc Fabregas sent off on the half-hour mark.

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The hosts were quickest off the starting blocks as Callum McManaman picked up the ball inside the opposition box in the fifth minute and flashed a low shot towards goal that was deflected wide by the knees of Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea countered through Fabregas, who weaved into the box before forcing a save from Boaz Myhill from inside the penalty area, but West Brom struck first blood in the ninth minute through Saido Berahino's vicious long-range drive into the top corner.

The visitors set about trying to find an equaliser and were soon on top in terms of play and possession, although Craig Dawson nearly made them pay when he nutmegged Nemanja Matic then Filipe Luis before seeing his effort blocked for a corner.

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Eden Hazard then stung Myhill's palms with a vicious shot before both sets of players clashed in the penalty area, leading to a booking for Diego Costa for a scuffle with Gareth McAuley.

There was to be yet more drama as Fabregas kicked the ball into the crowd of players from about 20 yards out and struck Chris Brunt, an action which saw the ex-Arsenal midfielder shown a straight red card.

West Brom were hungry for more goals as they continued to push forward, but the Premier League champions reacted well to going a man down and matched their opponents right until the half-time whistle.