Diego Costa finally broke down West Brom's dogged defending to send Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League with their ninth straight win.
The Spanish striker scored his 12th goal of the season after 76 minutes when he robbed Gareth McAuley before smashing his shot into the top corner. Sub Cesc Fabregas, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, provided the pass forward.
Until then Tony Pulis had been winning his tactical battle with former Italy boss Antonio Conte with the Baggies boss deploying his wide midfielders as extra full-backs in a six-man defence.
It wasn't pretty but it was highly effective as West Brom, who had only 28 per cent of first-half possession, frustrated the home side.
Conte changed back a a back four in the second half when he threw on Willian and then his fellow sub Fabregas played a ball over the top to set up Costa's winner.
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