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“Cometh the hour, cometh the Hazard”. Eden Hazard proved himself to “the man” once again as his 13th strike of the season proved be the winner tonight at Stamford Bridge, stretching Chelsea’s lead at the top to 10 points. With 6 games remaining, the Blues only need 9 points more to clinch their fourth Premier League title.
Here are the player ratings from a feisty affair at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Commanding in the air and made his presence felt on more than one occasion. Only a thumping Paddy McNair second drive brought out a save worthy of note from the young Belgian. Was lucky when Falcao hit the outside of the post with his late attempt and seemed a bit unsure a few times. Not his best performance, but nonetheless a good one from the Belgian shot-stopper.
Branislav Ivanovic (6/10): Had a handful with Luke Shaw rampaging down Manchester United’s left throughout the game. Was given a yellow in the second-half for cynically dragging down Shaw after the Englishman had burnt him for pace. Missed the protection offered by Willian on most days.
Gary Cahill (7.5/10): Along with captain John Terry he looked solid in defense.Put in a vital block to stop Radamel Falcao from getting the equalizer.
John Terry (7.5/10): Won the ball off Falcao to start off the move that resulted in the winner. Handled the threat of Falcao pretty well for most of the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta (7/10): Had a much better ninety minutes than his wing-back counterpart on the right. Had a check on Antonio Valencia throughout the game. Forced Manchester United to look to their left wing for options.
Kurt Zouma (8/10): Shadowed Marouane Fellaini for the majority of the game. Gave up a lot of space in the middle of the park to carry out his task of man-marking the Belgian but did a sterling job of it. His presence also ensure that CHelsea’ s defense don’ t get dragged out of position too much.
Nemanja Matic (7.5/10): Had to work his socks off to close down everything and anything at the middle of the park with Manchester United enjoying the lion’s share of the possession, but that’s exactly what he did. Showed his value to the team yet again.
Oscar (7/10): Non-existent except for the delicious back-heel that set up the goal for Eden Hazard. Recent times hasn’t been the best for the Brazilian.
Cesc Fabregas (7/10): Not as effective with the visitors dictating the pace of the game for the major part. Stuck to his quick ball playing wits but couldn’t get much change out of the Manchester United defenders playing in a much-advanced role than usual.
Eden Hazard (8.5/10): Consistently brilliant and brilliantly consistent. Scored the vital goal and looked like the only one on the field to possess the ability to do so.
Didier Drogba (7/10): The 37-year old gladiator is still having a great time back at his colosseum. He no longer possesses the great threat or the ability to hold up play, but he still has enough provide the Blues a focal point of their attacks.
Subs
Ramires (6.5/10): Provided cover on the left to neutralize the threat that Luke Shaw was mounting with every bursting run down the left.
Jon Obi Mikel (NA): Too little time on the pitch to warrant a rating, but his nutmeg on Fellaini is worthy of a second look.
Willian (NA): Introduced late on to shut up shop.
Manchester United
David De Gea (6/10): Was helpless with the goal. Had very little to do elsewhere.
Antonio Valencia (5.5/10): Got forward on every occasion possible, but never quite got the inch over Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chris Smalling (6.5/10): Could do very little about the goal. Commanding elsewhere except when on the ball.
Paddy McNair (7.5/10): A very assured performance from the young Irishman. Composed on the ball as well as while defending.
Luke Shaw (8/10): Probably the best player for the visitors. His speed and willingness to attack at every possible occasion had Branislav Ivanovic in fits. Unlucky that his endeavours didn’t bear any real fruit.
Wayne Rooney (6/10): The England international was his usual industrious self whilst starting in midfield for the game. Missed a great opportunity to put the Red Devils ahead when he struck wide while the game was in its fledgling state.
Ander Herrera (5.5/10): Saw a lot of the ball. But failed to provide any cutting-edge opportunity for the visitors. Can count himself lucky that he wasn’t punished when he committed an innocuous turnover in the second half. Was given a yellow late in the game when he deliberately sought to get his side a penalty kick by dragging his foot into Gary Cahill’s.
Marouane Fellaini (6.5/10): Was shadowed by Kurt Zouma for the majority of the game. Could never really get himself going with the Frenchman on his shoulders.
Juan Mata (6/10): This was a special game for the Spaniard who was returning to his old stomping ground. Fluid in his passing, but never really was able to find that magical moment where he could unlock the Chelsea defence.
Ashley Young (6/10): Took a back seat with Luke Shaw overlapping him on most occasions. Prominent in the build-up play but no final ball worth remembering.
Radamel Falcao (5/10): Another game, another disappointment from the Colombian. Looked weak and unsure in his hold-up play. Lost possession in the build-up to the goal. Unable to find the equalizer when the chance presented themselves; once hitting the post and the other time thwarted by Gary Cahill.
Subs
Adnan Januzaj (5/10): Never got going on the right.
Angel Di Maria (6/10): Scampered into the penalty box with venom on the 78th-minute mark, only to be robbed off the ball by Nemanja Matic.
Tyler Blackett (5/10): Never had the energy or the technical ability to replace the threat that was Luke Shaw late in the game.
