Marc Cucurella scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season to seal a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, boosting the home side's Champions League aspirations with just one match left to play.
Looking to build momentum ahead of the Europa League final, Man United thought they had got off to the perfect start when Harry Maguire tucked the ball home in the opening stages before his effort was ruled out for an offside.
After being given a reprieve, Chelsea nearly put their noses in front when Reece James drove a fierce strike against the frame of Andre Onana's goal.
The Man United goalkeeper was left protesting his innocence just after his challenge on Tyrique George initially resulted in a penalty, before referee Chris Kavanagh overturned his decision following a VAR review, ruling that the Chelsea attacker went to ground prior to any contact with Onana.
As it proved, Chelsea did not need a penalty to find the all-important breakthrough, as Cucurella ultimately found the all-important breakthrough in the 71st minute, powering a header home from James' cross to clinch all three points and condemn Man United to a sixth defeat in eight Premier League matches.
As a result of the win, Enzo Maresca's side move up to fourth place in the Premier League table, while Man United are left languishing in 16th place following their 18th league defeat of the season.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
For a large portion of the contest, it looked as though Chelsea would experience frustration, especially as it was clear from their struggles in the final third that they were missing the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
However, James and Cucurella ultimately combined to produce the game's defining moment, and while the winner may not cover up for an underwhelming performance, the Blues will only care about the result at this stage of the season.
As for the visitors, Ruben Amorim will be disappointed that his side missed the opportunity to build any momentum and confidence ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Apart from Maguire's disallowed goal, their was little to write home about for the Red Devils, and they never looked like pulling level once Chelsea found the breakthrough.
CHELSEA VS. MAN UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Maguire disallowed goal vs. Chelsea (15th min, Man United 0-0 Chelsea)
Harry Maguire's goal for Manchester United is ruled out for offside after a VAR review ❌ pic.twitter.com/c08ipXLeIS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
Maguire momentarily gives Man United the lead. The defender guides the ball home from Bruno Fernandes's inswinging cross, only for VAR to chalk off the goal for an offside against the 32-year-old.
Cucurella goal vs. Chelsea (71st min, Man United 0-1 Chelsea)
Marc Cucurella with a HUGE goal for Chelsea! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/LOfq65LIgt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
Cucurella finds the breakthrough following a piece of brilliance by James. The right-back spins away from his defender on the edge of the box, before standing a ball up for Cucurella to send a thumping header past the unmoved Onana.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MARC CUCURELLA
What a season in front of goal for Marc! 👏#CFC | #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/kvehFRKl9A
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 16, 2025
Cucurella put in an impressive display in the narrow win, netting the decisive goal while carrying out his defensive duties to a high level.
The importance of his goal in the Champions League race will become clear once the curtain comes down on the 2024-25 season.
Moises Caicedo also deserves a mention after putting in a formidable performance in the middle of the park, producing important contributions in and out of possession.
CHELSEA VS. MAN UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 47%-53% Man United
Shots: Chelsea 11-5 Man United
Shots on target: Chelsea 3-1 Man United
Corners: Chelsea 7-2 Man United
Fouls: Chelsea 10-14 Man United
BEST STATS
2011 - Tyrique George is the first player with the letter Q in his name to start a Premier League game for Chelsea since Henrique Hilario in August 2011. Quartermaster. pic.twitter.com/GtBroOdKW1
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2025
HT: Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 16, 2025
Only Southampton (12) and Leicester (11) have scored fewer first half Premier League goals this season than Manchester United (15). 👀#CHEMUN | @bet365 | #Ad pic.twitter.com/f1YdrwvCi5
0.92 - Ruben Amorim has won 24 points in 26 Premier League games, a points per game ratio of 0.92. This is lower than Paul Jewell's Premier League points per game (0.94), who managed 24 winless games at Derby when they finished on 11 points in 2007-08. Concerning. pic.twitter.com/ncNV2wHUF6
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
After winning for the eighth time in nine home league games, Chelsea will now turn their focus to their crucial final-day clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, where they will attempt to secure Champions League qualification.
As for Man United, they will hope to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League in Wednesday's final against Tottenham in Bilbao.
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