Forget Arsenal's form, not even Chelsea's mediocre displays will stop Mourinho from winning the Premier League title

The key to winning any title is the ability to win games playing ugly and Chelsea are the undisputed masters of it this season.

While the first half of the campaign was full of scintillating football, the second has been littered with performances like today's at Loftus Road.

For long periods they were second best, off the pace and out of ideas. Yet crucially still left with the three points.

This time their hero was Cesc Fabregas as he drove the ball into the bottom corner with just two minutes remaining.

But in previous months there have been similar narrow escapes. Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Hull and Stoke have all threatened to cause an upset and been left disappointed, just like QPR.

This is why Chelsea are seven points clear at the top with a game in hand. For unlike their closest challengers Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, they can win games regularly like this.

MATCH REPORT: QPR 0 CHELSEA 1

It is hard to see them blowing their advantage now, even though they have matches against Manchester United and Arsenal in the next fortnight.

They can play knowing the pressure is all on their opponents to win the games, whereas for them a point will do.

The celebrations at the final whistle showed just what this result meant to them. Captain John Terry had veins pumping and let out a roar that could be heard all the way back to Shepherds Bush tube station.

In total contrast, Rangers' players walked off looking dejected and who can blame them. For 87 minutes they had outfought and outplayed their more illustrious opponents.

Not only did they not get the win their display perhaps merited, they lost what could prove to be a crucial point in their survival battle.

Chelsea will have little sympathy for their local neighbours. For them the trophy is in their sights and not even mediocre form looks like preventing them from lifting it next month.