Marc Cucurella’s 71st-minute header earned Chelsea a crucial 1-0 win against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. It was enough to push the Blues into the Premier League top four and keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
The Spanish full-back rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from captain Reece James to score his seventh goal of the season. It has been his most prolific season yet, and head coach Enzo Maresca was happy with Cucurella’s performance. The manager was asked how the Spaniard managed to turn his luck around at the Bridge, and he said in his press conference:
“Cucu has a background with the Barcelona academy, La Masia. He grew up in a club where the philosophy or the idea that I like is similar. So the reason why Cucu is doing so good with us is also because we know him, what he can do and the way we like to play is exactly the way that is good for him. So it’s in both ways.
“We try to work day by day and I said before that it’s not important how big you are or how small. It’s important to understand where you have to be, the position, the moment and he’s doing very well. The other one that is doing very well is Enzo Fernandez. This season he scored goals, assists and he could score more.”
Chelsea secure three points against Manchester United
Chelsea had more possession and had a few chances in the match, with James being prominent even after his ankle scare early in the match. Manchester United also had their debutant Harry Maguire’s goal disallowed for offside in the first half, and were unable to trouble Chelsea later on.
The win lifts Chelsea to 66 points, along with Aston Villa and Newcastle United, and a point ahead of Manchester City, with one match left. Chelsea end their Premier League season on the road in Nottingham Forest, where they must win in order to guarantee a top-five place and qualify back into Europe’s best competition.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are currently wallowing just outside relegation spots on the Premier League table.