Chelsea gave their hopes of playing UEFA Champions League football next season a huge boost as Marc Cucurella struck in the second half to see off Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
The Blues needed to win to ensure a top-five finish was in their own hands, but for a large part of the drab game they were frustrated by the visitors.
However, Cucurella headed in Reece James’ excellent cross to secure a win that moves Chelsea up to fourth place in the Premier League.
They sit above Aston Villa on goal difference and a point clear of sixth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Although his team have a crucial game against Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday, United boss Ruben Amorim named a strong side for this trip to west London.
It looked like the decision would pay off when Harry Maguire fired home an excellent volley in the first half, but it was ruled out for offside after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Chelsea’s James then hit the left post with a swirling effort before the break, and the Blues thought they had a penalty in the second half when Tyrique George went down inside the box as Andre Onana rushed out to push away the ball.
A spot-kick was given initially but then ruled out after a VAR check as replays showed Onana got the ball first.
But the home fans were celebrating soon after when James expertly curled a delivery to the far post from the right and Cucurella rose to guide a header beyond Onana.
With the result, Manchester United set two unwanted records.
They will end a Premier League season without winning back-to-back league games for the first time ever in the competition.
Also, this is the first time in Premier League history that Manchester United have gone eight consecutive league matches without a win as they languish in 16th place.
Chelsea will travel to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season knowing they can guarantee Champions League football in 2025/2026 with a win.
Defeat for Amorim’s United, meanwhile, was their 18th in 37 Premier League fixtures.
