Headed goals from Anthony Martial and captain Harry Maguire earned Manchester United a hard-fought 2-0 win at toothless Chelsea on Monday amid more VAR controversy, putting them back in the hunt for a top-four Premier League finish.
The VAR system made the headlines once again after two Chelsea efforts were ruled out and England international Maguire escaped sanction for a kick out at Michy Batshuayi.
In a high tempo, if often scrappy, game Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side made the most of their chances while Chelsea, whose form at home has been suspect all season, squandered a string of opportunities.
The defeat left Chelsea fourth, a point clear of resurgent rivals Tottenham Hotspur led by their ex-coach Jose Mourinho. Chelsea host Spurs on Saturday. United, another of Mourinho’s old clubs, rose to seventh, three points behind Chelsea.
“It was a solid performance,” said Maguire. “We knew we had to get the win to close the gap. It’s a2 big three points.”
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta added: “In two key moments we lost the game. We created clear chances and were looking good but we were punished before half-time.”
A fine glancing header from Martial just before half-time from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross put the visitors ahead. It was United’s first Premier League goal in four games.
‘Fight starts now’
Chelsea only had themselves to blame though for their profligacy in front of goal. Until halftime they had looked the stronger side, forging a string of good attacking moves but, as has been their downfall all season, they failed to finish.
“If we’re not finishing chances it’s difficult to win games. We have 20 shots a game and then we don’t score. It’s very difficult,” said Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
Lampard told his side the “fight starts now” for a place in the Champions League next season
“The fight starts now,” said Lampard on Monday. “It’s not worth me going on about it now but the reality was there for us to see.
“If we’re not going to take chances then we’re not going to win games. When you dominate large periods you have to take your chances.”
