Chelsea took a significant leap toward securing Champions League football next season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Marc Cucurella rose highest to head home a superb delivery from Reece James, breaking the deadlock in a tightly contested encounter.
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The win lifts Chelsea into fourth place, nudging ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, while Manchester United’s disappointing domestic form continues, as they sit in 16th.
Chelsea had the better chances in the first half, with Noni Madueke testing United’s defense and James rattling the post with a long-range effort.
However, the visitors had an early moment of celebration when Harry Maguire tucked the ball past the goalkeeper, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort out for offside.
The second half brought further drama when Chelsea were initially awarded a penalty after Onana was adjudged to have brought down George inside the box.
However, after a quick VAR review, the decision was overturned due to minimal contact, and the game remained goalless.
Chelsea continued to probe and were finally rewarded when Cucurella made the breakthrough, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The goal capped off a match where Chelsea edged the attacking statistics with an expected goals total of 0.82 to United’s 0.37.
Enzo Maresca’s side will now turn their focus to their final league outing in nine days’ time against Nottingham Forest, aiming to secure their top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Manchester United must regroup ahead of their crucial Europa League final clash with Tottenham in Bilbao.
