Edin Hazard scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win for Chelsea over Manchester United. (Getty)
Live Score
Manchester United 0-0 — 0
Chelsea 1-0 — 1
The cheers from the Chelsea faithful at the final whistle not only were in joy for defeating one of their biggest rivals – which they did in a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday – but they were in realization that the English Premier League title is all but sealed up.
A goal by Edin Hazard in the first half increased Chelsea’s lead at the top of the table to 10 points over second-placed Arsenal, and also snapped Manchester United’s six-game winning streak.
Despite the lion’s share of possession, Manchester United was mostly reduced to half chances all afternoon. Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal introduced Angel Di Maria and Adnan Januzaj in the 70th minute, but the closest the Red Devils came to scoring was when Rademel Falcao hit the post in the 76th minute.
Read on for stats and highlights.
Edin Hazard Gave Chelsea 1-0 Lead in 38th Minute
After a dour 37 minutes, Edin Hazard finally gets space and finishes through the wickets of Manchester United Goalie David de Gea.
Hazard Hit Post Early in Second Half
A rare miscue by Ander Herrera gives Didier Drogba a chance to run at the Manchester United defense. His shot/cross finds its way to Hazard, who hits the bar.
Radamel Falcao Hit Post With 15 Minutes Left
Chelsea goalie Thibaut Courtois had his post to thank as Radamel Falcao slammed an effort off the woodwork in the 76th minute.
Stats (via NBCSN)
Goals: Chelsea: Edin Hazard (38′)
Shots (On Goal): Chelsea 7 (5 on goal), Manchester United: 15 (7 on goal)
Tackles: Chelsea 27, Manchester United 21
Fouls: Chelsea 13, Manchester United 11
Possession: Chelsea 37%, Manchester United 63%
Cards: Chelsea: Didier Drogba (54′), Branislav Ivanovic (57′), Oscar (63′) Manchester United: Ander Herrera (90′)
Lineups
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Matic, Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard, Drogba
Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw, Mata, Rooney, Herrera, Young, Fellaini, Falcao
Preview: Chelsea and Manchester Meet in Top-Four Showdown
(Getty)
Manchester United will be without four defenders when they travel to take on Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. Phil Jones, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Jonny Evans will all miss the contest while midfielder Michael Carrick is also injured. Ninteen-year-old Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair will get the call in center defense against Chris Smalling, who will have to deal with Loic Remy if he is able to return from injury himself.
Chelsea have weathered injuries to Diego Costa and Remy to stay atop the English Premier League by a comfortable margin. Their first championship since 2009-2010 appears to be a lock as they lead Arsenal by seven points with a game in hand. A win Saturday would all but wrap up the championship.
Manchester United is in the hunt for a Champions League spot after a rough start to the season.
