Keeper Martin a Hammers debut hero at 33
The Dutchman fired the Reds 2-0 up in the first half after twice heading home from Trent Alexander-Arnold deliveries.
They looked in trouble though when keeper Alisson Becker saw red with 15 minutes left and Lewis Dunk scored from the subsequent free-kick.
But Van Dijk and Co hung on
Veteran third- choice keeper David Martin shut out Chelsea as West Ham ended their seven-game winless run with their first victory at Stamford Bridge for 17 years.
Aaron Cresswell netted the only goal in a 1- 0 triumph, cutting in and firing a low shot past Blues keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after 48 minutes.
But it was 33-year-old Martin – son of Hammers legend Alvin – who was a debut hero at the other end as he pulled off a string of stops to deny Frank Lampard’s side and ease the pressure
to stretch their lead at the top to a mighty 11 points.
The former Celtic star said: “We’re disappointed with the way we ended the game.
“We conceded a strange freekick, the red card for Alisson, and we should have done better. But it’s not easy to play every couple of days and be more than 100 per cent.
“The beginning of the first half
on boss Manuel Pellegrini. Michail Antonio had a late effort ruled out by VAR for handball as West Ham moved six points clear of the relegation zone.
Martin sank to his knees close to tears at the end before dashing to the stand to hug his old man.
And the keeper admitted: “It feels a bit surreal at the moment.
“As a lad growing up supporting West Ham you dream of days like this. I’m happy I did not let anyone down and I enjoyed it. My dad was coming down anyway, the Premier League debut is a great moment and I am so pleased he was here to share it with me.”
Boss Pellegrini said: “When you don’t win you are a beast and when you do you are a genius.”
Gutted Lampard sighed: “Shocked isn’t the word, I’m more disappointed. We didn’t perform the way we wanted.”
Jose Mourinho continued his winning run as Spurs boss as his side edged out Bournemouth 3-2. Dele Alli’s double and Moussa Sissoko put Tottenham in charge, though sub Harry Wilson’s late double made for a nervy finish.
Mourinho hailed Alli and said: “I could not ask any more from him. He’s playing close to Harry Kane and that’s the best position for him.”
Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp netted in the second half to give Crystal Palace a 2- 0 win at Burnley, their first league victory in six games.
Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse netted late on as Southampton came from behind to beat Watford 2-1 and move two points from safety. Ismail Sarr had given the Hornets the lead.