Eden Hazard magic helps Blues tighten grip on title

The brilliant and chelsea's best player of the season produced a stunning bit of skill in the first half to separate the two sides.

With Arsenal in FA Cup semi-final action against Reading, Jose Mourinho's men knew they could put some daylight between themselves and the north London outfit with a victory.

Manchester United settled quickly and they could have been ahead after just four minutes, but Wayne Rooney bent an effort just past the post.

Chelsea were happy to soak up the pressure, despite creating very slim chances.

United however could have been reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute when David De Gea appeared to handle the ball outside the area, but the incident was missed by both the referee and the linesman and the Spaniard escaped unpunished.

Mourinho's tactical masterclass worked perfectly when they snatched the lead against the run of play two minutes later.

Radamel Falcao conceded possession near the halfway line and it proved costly.

 

Eden Hazard nearly doubles Chelsea's lead

 

Oscar slipped a perfectly-weighted ball into Hazard's path and he did the rest, bursting into the area before slotting a shot through the legs of De Gea.

Chelsea should have made it two nil in the 55th minute when Drogba's shot looped into the air after De Gea palmed his effort but Hazard contrived to hook the loose ball against the crossbar.
Manchester United remain in third spot.