Chelsea vs Manchester United LIVE: Blues seal imperative victory with top five place at stake
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Enzo Maresca’s collected a crucial three points to keep themselves inside the Champions League places
Marc Cucurella’s invaluable header proved the difference as Chelsea emerged with an imperative win over struggling Manchester United to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands.
Man United thought they had the lead when Harry Maguire volleyed home from a delightful Bruno Fernandes cross in the first half, only to be ruled a shoulder offside by VAR.
Chelsea continued to be frustrated despite growing into the game, with Reece James coming closest in the first half with a stunning effort that struck the post.
But it was James who inspired the eventual winner, pirouetting on the edge of the box before picking out Cucurella who headed home, putting Chelsea on course to a victory that maintained their place in the top five.
They now need just one more win - on the final day - to ensure Champions League qualification for next term, with Aston Villa breathing down their neck after beating Tottenham earlier in the evening.
Relive all the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below:
Marc Cucurella header keeps Chelsea's Champions League destiny in own hands
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Man United
AN IMPERATIVE VICTORY FOR THE BLUES!
Marc Cucurella’s invaluable header proves the difference as Chelsea emerge victorious from what was, for much of the night, a frustrating outing for Enzo Maresca’s side.
They’ve maintained their place in the top five and need just one more win - on the final day - to ensure Champions League qualification.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90+8 mins: Chelsea get the opportunity to finish it as Gusto - who has never scored for the Blues - runs in on goal.
And that’s why he’s never scored. He runs out of legs and falls over after a heavy touch.
Either way, that should be it.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90+7 mins: Looping free-kick for United comes to nothing and Chelsea survive what could be one last nervy moment.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90+5 mins: Chelsea opt to keep it in the corner rather than going for a second and Garnacho charges it down.
Another corner for the Blues.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90+3 mins: Heaven makes a mess of it in his own box and goes flying into Gusto with two feet.
Studs are showing. He’s given a yellow but I think he’s a bit lucky not to be shown his marching orders.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90+2 mins: Cole Palmer nearly robs Maguire after the centre-back receives a weak pass - he has to rush a clearance and hooks it out for a throw.
Another opportunity for Chelsea to run down the clock.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
90 mins: High challenge from Ugarte sees him get a yellow - the Chelsea players think it should be more.
There will still be SEVEN added minutes for Chelsea to play - as Neto comes off for Gusto.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
88 mins: Chris Kavanagh orders Chelsea to get on with things as Reece James takes an age to take a throw.
They’re trying to see this one out.
Cole Palmer has just taken a knock but is up and walking.
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
86 mins: United are heading for an 18th Premier League loss this season. They’re about to go eight winless - their worst ever run in the league.
That’s assuming they don’t get a late equaliser here. And with a few minutes to go, Chelsea are in the corner.
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