Andre Schurrle scored a hat-trick for Chelsea as the league leaders blew away their West London neighbours Fulham to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Rockbottom Fulham began well and had an opening inside the first five minutes when Pajtim Kasami showed good strength to fend off Branislav Ivanovic before curling over a cross for Clint Dempsey, but the American couldn't get a good touch on the header.

Fernando Torres had Chelsea's first chance 10 minutes later when he charged down Maarten Stekelenburg's kick but couldn't beat the Dutch keeper from the loose ball.

Torres again tested Stekelenburg just before half time when his powerful half-volley from a narrow angle was tipped over the top.

Although they may have looked a little tired in the first half, Chelsea appeared much more like league leaders in the second as Schurrle inspired them to victory with a 17-minute hat-trick.

The German broke the deadlock seven minutes after half time by running onto Eden Hazard's pass and finishing coolly past Stekelenburg.

Hazard was again provider seven minutes later as he found the run of Schurrle, who once more proved deadly in front of goal.

His treble was completed in the 69th minute, this time collecting a Torres pass before tucking home.

Fulham scored a consolation goal five minutes later when John Heitinga prodded home after the visitors had failed to deal with a corner.

Chelsea now lead the way by four points because of Arsenal's defeat at Stoke City, while Fulham remain four points adrift of safety.