Manchester United closed in on the Champions League places with victory over Chelsea as Frank Lampard’s side were left with a sense of injustice after contentious video assistant referee decisions went against them.
United closed to within three points of Chelsea in fourth place with headed goals either side of the interval from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire at Stamford Bridge.
Martial glanced in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross on the stroke of half-time before Manchester United captain Maguire powered in a header from Bruno Fernandes’ corner after 66 minutes.
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Chelsea felt aggrieved as Maguire was fortunate to escape a red card for kicking Michy Batshuayi in the groin in the first half as they tangled on the touchline, despite the incident being examined by VAR.
And the review system denied them again when Chelsea thought substitute Kurt Zouma had made it 1-1. The goal was ruled out for a push by Cesar Azpilicueta on Brandon Williams, although replays showed United’s Fred put a hand on the back of Chelsea’s captain.
200 – Odion Ighalo is the 200th player to make an appearance for @ManUtd in the @premierleague, and is the first Nigerian to do so. Cinematic. #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/n5j9W2R7nf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2020
Chelsea’s frustration was complete when Olivier Giroud’s 76th-minute header was ruled out because his foot was in an offside position as he moved to meet Mason Mount’s free-kick.
Being on the right side of the decisions helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s organised and diligent United side to complete their first league double over Chelsea since 1987/88.
