OK, time for me to bring this to a close but we have all the build-up and coverage of the Merseyside derby as Everton host Liverpool in our dedicated live coverage page. If you want to catch all the reaction to today's games then head to our reaction live coverage.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have been in total control in this second half. Aston Villa could not do anything going forward, they really lacked belief and quality in the final third but they tried their best. Chelsea have done a special job here today. They are seven points clear but they were nine points earlier in the season, so it's not all over yet.

"Manchester City are still capable of going on a run, and a lot of these Chelsea players have played a lot of games already and will tire, especially with the latter stages of the Champions League still to come. "

The whistle goes and Jose Mourinho explodes into life. After a relatively subdued reaction throughout he strolls on to the pitch, pumping his firsts in celebration and whipping up the away fans. Job done, but far from a vintage Chelsea display.

Branislav Ivanovic is booked for time-wasting. Seconds left...

Is there to be any late drama? Aston Villa are on the hunt for an equaliser as Ashley Westwood spots the run of Scott Sinclair, but he cannot beat Branislav Ivanovic. Time is against them...

Five minutes of added time as John Mikel Obi goes down clutching his back. Chelsea have used all their substitutes, but he eventually is able to continue.

Image source, Reuters

Juan Cuadrado is clearly eager to impress as he buzzes from the right side of the pitch to the left to pick up an Eden Hazard pass, but he runs into a Villa player.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Image source, PA

"Chelsea have been very dominant in this second half. They have controlled the pace of the game and could easily go on and score another. You have to give Aston Villa credit, they have stuck at it and tried to keep their tempo high, but Chelsea have been well on top."

Chelsea cannot feel comfortable just yet because to Aston Villa's credit they are searching for an equaliser at the moment. The Blues, however, are coping well with anything the hosts throw at their defence.

Chelsea, by the way, are on course to go eight points clear at the top of the table with Manchester City currently losing 1-0 to Hull....

Image source, AFP

Juan Cuadrado, a speedy winger, wins Chelsea a corner with his first contribution. He also takes it, but it is poor and Villa head clear.

Into the closing stages and Jose Mourinho decides it is time to hand a debut to his new signing Juan Cuadrado, who comes on for Willian.

Alan Hutton tries to pick out Christian Benteke with a cross but Thibaut Courtois, for the first time in this match, comes off his line to claim confidently.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have really upped the tempo since conceding the equaliser. They have dominated this football match since the first five minutes of the second half. Jose Mourinho's side have been pressing Villa so fast, and the way they move the ball about, they have just raised it."

A flurry of substitution as Christian Benteke is on for Gabriel Agbonlahor before Oscar is replaced by John Mikel Obi for Chelsea. Paul Lambert then makes another Villa change as new signing Scott Sinclair jogs onto the pitch, replacing Tom Cleverley.

Image source, Reuters

Chelsea are after a third, they don't want to let Aston Villa in again as Loic Remy runs at goal before letting fly, but his shot is deflected over.

BBC Final Score

Final Score is now heading onto BBC Two and BBC Two Northern Ireland, as today's match comes to the boil...

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin
BBC Final Score

"Cesar Azpilicueta was allowed down the left hand side, there was a bit of melee with the ball in the box, it came off a few shins, but he picked out Branislav Ivanovic at the far post and he caught it beautifully - like a peach."

Aston Villa will be sick of the sight of Branislav Ivanovic, that goal was his fifth in six starts against them and his strike was greeted by a small smile from Jose Mourinho and a double fist pump.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"All the Chelsea fans are trying to get on the pitch in the far corner. The goalkeeper had no chance, Branislav Ivanovic caught the ball sweetly, and for all of Carles Gil's excellent play going forward he was caught ball watching there. That allowed Cesar Azpilicueta in on the left side for the cross."