By Olaitan Ibrahim
Chelsea edged past Manchester United with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday, thanks to a second-half header by Marc Cucurella.
The result not only boosts the Blues’ chances of Champions League qualification but also adds further pressure in a tense Premier League title race.
The hard-fought encounter remained goalless at halftime, with both sides unable to find a breakthrough. United’s Harry Maguire thought he had opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR check.
Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo were all shown yellow cards in a heated match that saw a total of nine bookings.
The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Reece James set up Cucurella, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal to give Chelsea the lead.
Despite United’s late attempts to salvage a point, Chelsea held firm.
Manchester United’s frustration was evident in the closing stages as more yellow cards were handed to Manuel Ugarte, Amari’i Heaven, and Cole Palmer.
With the win, Chelsea climbed to fourth place with 66 points from 37 games, tied with Aston Villa and Newcastle United but ahead on goal difference.
They now sit just two points behind second-placed Arsenal, as the title race edges closer to a dramatic conclusion.