Hazard the hero at the Bridge as Chelsea hold on to beat Man Utd

Ahead of this clash between runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea and in-form Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, the visitors knew that any chance they had of claiming the title they had to win.

They began the day eight points behind the Blues, who still have a game in hand, and certainly dominated the game in terms of possession and chances, but succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.

Eden Hazard was the hero for the hosts, as he has been for much of the season, and it looks like nothing will stop Chelsea from winning the title.

United started brightly on the match early, and many thought that Wayne Rooney, playing in a deeper role with Radamel Falcao returning to the starting line-up, had found the net. David de Gea celebrated at the other end, but the shot was in fact just wide.

The Red Devils stayed in control of the game, though, and Ander Herrera had a long-ranged effort, but it was never going on goal.

Soon after, young Northern Irish centre back Paddy McNair, filling in for injured trio Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo, ran up field and his shot out the area deflected just past the post and forced a corner.

Chelsea’s first real chance came just after the half hour mark, as Spaniard Cesc Fabregas nearly latched onto a cross on the counter, but his compatriot De Gea, seemingly outside the area, hit the ball away with his arm.

Just minutes later, though, Eden Hazard put the hosts ahead, after a clever backheel from Oscar, as he hit home with his left foot from close range and through the keeper’s legs.

United would have felt hard done by, as they could’ve had a free-kick before at the start of that passage of play, but they kept pressing. And seconds before the half time whistle, the Colombian came close to latching onto a pass in the area, but Thibaut Courtois punched away.

After the break, things were more level, but Didier Drogba had a great chance to double the lead after Herrera’s misplaced pass, as the Ivorian’s effort was deflected over De Gea. However, it didn’t quite reach the goal, and Hazard’s attempt to squeeze the ball in hit the bar.