In the race for the Champions League next season, every point counts, especially with just one game to go.
For Chelsea, they needed a win desperately, given that Aston Villa had gotten the better of Tottenham. A loss or draw would see them drop from the top 6, meaning that they had it all to play for, and they gave it their all.
In the first half, Manchester United looked more comfortable than the home team. The Blues didn’t play convincingly in the first 20 minutes, but they slowly worked themselves back into the game. Chances from Maduke and Reece James, who hit the bar from a swerving shot,, were early signs that the Londoners meant business.
It was a tough tie, especially for Enzo Maresca’s team who were dominating in the second half but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. It was a very torrid tie, even to watch, and the absence of goals made it a lot more tiring.
But Chelsea pressed on, and they got their break. With 20 minutes left to play, they finally broke the deadlock through Marc Cucurella, who headed in a pinpoint cross from Reece James. The ball into the box found the head of the Spanish left back, who found the back of the net.
His goal was the difference between the two sides, and it was enough to get Chelsea all 3 points. This win keeps them in the race for Champions League football, barring the results of other teams. All they need to focus on is the game against Nottingham Forest on the last day, which can put the final pin on their UCL roadmap.
