Chelsea Defeat 'Mighty' United

Eden Hazard, who else, was the right man, in the right place, at the right time, to skilfully slot home the only goal of this absorbing contest shortly before half time. There has been a lot of silly media-induced hysteria about the boy wonder from Tottensham, but frankly speaking, the dazzling Hazard ought to be on a short list of one for the player of the season award. He is in a league of his own. 

Mind you, the Belgian superstar did benefit from an exquisite back heel from young Oscar. I have been very critical of the latter. He still remains largely a peripheral figure, but on the rare occasions when he makes his presence felt, his contribution can certainly be golden.

The defeat of the pretenders to our imminent crown, Manchester United, was a peculiar one. We won with about thirty per cent possession of the ball. This is not what I wish to see, but yes our troops again got the job done. What is more, they pocketed their second clean sheet in six days, and that is something to feel good about. Otherwise, Mourinho seems more than happy for his team to soak up pressure and play on the break. It's not what I want, but the manager does seem to excel on these occasions. He wasn't shy about admitting so afterwards, practically gloating about how Manchester United were in our pockets and that the game had gone totally to plan. Nobody likes a smart Alec, but the Chelsea faithful won't be complaining. In truth, ManUre were probably deserving of a share of the points, but soccer matches have always been decided in favour of the team that scores the most goals, and they always will be. That's the rules, and that's why Chelsea remain mighty effective at doing just enough to score one more goal than their opponents in each league outing. It seems to be their 2015 new year's resolution!

Now the Blues could wrap up their fourth Premiership of this young century with wins at Arse-nil and at Leicester, before the month is over. I suspect that the Gooners may provide a sting in the tail. God knows they are well overdue a victory against us, although now it seems largely immaterial, as a defeat would merely prolong the league race for another week or ten days. Basically, Chelsea are almost certain to become English champions now, and they will have to try very hard to lose their lead from their current, well-earned position of strength. Right Arsenic, let's be having ya!

CHELSEA 1 Manchester United 0; half time: 1-0. Saturday 18th April 2015.

CHELSEA goal scorer: Hazard

CHELSEA team: Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Matic, Zouma, Fabregas, Oscar, Drogba, Hazard. Used substitutes: Ramires; Mikel; Willian.

CHELSEA LEADING SCORERS:

Costa - 20 goals

Hazard - 18 goals

Oscar and Remy - 7 goals

Drogba, Ivanovic, and Terry - 6 goals

Fabregas and Schurrle - 5 goals

Willian - 4 goals

Cahill, Matic and Ramires - 3 goals

Zouma - 2 goals