Chelsea needed another ‘rare’ Michael Essien header to overcome a stubborn and latterly dangerous Fulham side in a tight West London derby.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s men were worth their interval lead. But they were grateful to previously under-employed keeper Petr Cech for two fine late saves.

Didier Drogba warmed the palms of Cech’s opposite number Marc Schwarzer with a long-range free-kick before Essien gave Chelsea the lead on 30 minutes, firmly heading home Florent Malouda’s left-wing cross.

Schwarzer denied Malouda and Salomon Kalou half-volleyed badly wide from close-range as Chelsea continued to dominate before the break.

Schwarzer was busy again on 55 minutes, getting his foot to Kalou’s shot, allowing Aaron Hughes to make a goalline clearance.

And the Australian international custodian made an even better stop from Malouda thirteen minutes later before parrying Jon Obi-Mikel’s follow-up effort.

Cech turned aside Clint Dempsey’s 30-yard right-foot drive on 72 minutes as the Cottagers chased a late leveller.

And he blocked a well-struck volley from the edge of the box by substitute Zoltan Gera on 82 minutes.

Essien saw red in stoppage time for a two-footed jump tackle on Dempsey. But Chelsea only had to hold on for 90 seconds, and did.