Chelsea reopened a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League, after snatching a 1-0 win at London rivals Queens Park Rangers thanks to a late Cesc Fabregas strike.
A generally dull match looked destined to end goalless until QPR goalkeeper Robert Green miscued a kick, which Chelsea pounced on with Hazard setting Fabregas up to finish with a first time shot under Green.
QPR edged the early exchanges, with Bobby Zamora trying a Charlie Adam on Thibaut Courtois though the Englishman’s strike from 40 yards out in the second minute was off target.
Chelsea then went close after eight minutes, as QPR failed to deal with a corner-kick and a Willian cross hit the post with Joey Barton eventually clearing the danger for the Royals.
The leaders then had shouts for a penalty waved aside by referee Andre Marriner in the 11th minute as Green picked up a ball back from defender Steve Caulker.
QPR top scorer Charlie Austin then saw a 25-yard effort kept out by Courtois in the 44th minute while Fabregas headed over under pressure from Barton moments later at the other end as the half ended goalless.
The second period saw the Royals edge proceedings still, with Matt Philips forcing a save off Courtois just after the hour mark while Austin had a tame rebound saved by the Belgian after his initial effort was blocked by Gary Cahill eight minutes from time.
Chelsea would however grind out the win required to maintain their healthy advantage in the title race, as Hazard and Oscar combined to set up Fabregas to score in the 88th minute off a poor kick from Green.
The result puts Chelsea on 73 points with a game in hand while QPR remain in the bottom three with 26 points, two points off safety, with five matches left to play for the Royals.