Chelsea are just twowins from regaining their first Barclays Premier League title since 2010, as Eden Hazard’s goal in the 38thminute of the game on Saturday gave them the 1-0 edge over Manchester United. The Bluesearned vital three points and wins at Arsenal and Leicester City in their forthcominggames will ensure that the title returns to Stanford Bridge. The winning goalis the 12th goal of the season for the Belgian striker, who is also thePFA Player of the Year nominee.
The Red Devils commenced the game confidently and on the frontfoot, although their boss Louis van Gaal had to rearrange his starting XI, asseveral of his key players were injured and in-form Wayne Rooney was moved into a central mid-field position.
The visitors could have taken an early lead, afterRooney’s strike in the fourth minute, but the ball finished inches wide; therewere a few confusing moments thereafter, as United fans and their keeperDavid de Gea celebrated a “goal”, until they realised that, unfortunately, theball was placed outside the net.
Then, seven minutes before the interval, the Londoners took their chance,when Hazard came out of the blue and slotted the ball through De Gea’s legs. Theycould have doubled the lead early in the second-half, when Didier Drogba’s shotwent over United’s goalkeeper; this was followed by a karate-kick style effortby Hazard, from a near-impossible angle, which then hit the crossbar.
When the final whistle came, Chelsea players celebrated passionatelyin front of their fans, acknowledging the importance of the victory thatstretched their unbeaten run to 14 games in all competitions; the win put themvery close to their Premier League title.
However, many Football puritans wouldargue over Chelsea's recent form, and their predictable and rather boring styleof play.
As for Manchester United, the defeat ended their hope for aseventh successive Premier League victory, but their improvement is visible, asthey now look very different to the side that struggled earlier on in theseason, especially with the recent spectacular 4-2 win against Manchester City.
