Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League

Eden Hazard scored the only goal of the game to defeat Manchester United and leave Chelsea two wins from the Premier League title.

After United had started the game at Stamford Bridge in confident fashion, the Belgium international ran on to a superb Oscar backheel in the 38th minute to fire under David de Gea.

The victory opened up a 10-point gap for the Blues on second-placed Arsenal and brought an end to United's six-match winning streak in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho's team will travel across London to the Emirates Stadium next weekend where victory will leave them with a win at Leicester in their next game on Apr. 29 for the title.

Loic Remy missed out for Chelsea, meaning Didier Drogba would plough a lone furrow up front, while Radamel Falcao came into the Manchester United starting XI.

The inclusion of Kurt Zouma in the Chelsea midfield was an indication of how Jose Mourinho was looking to deal with the physical presence of Marouane Fellaini.

There was also a generous reception for United midfielder Juan Mata from the home supporters on his first return to Stamford Bridge since his move to Old Trafford last season.

The league leaders had an early scare when Wayne Rooney appeared to have placed the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois in the fourth minute, but the rippling of the net was caused by his strike hitting the outside of the goal.

It was a bright start for Louis van Gaal's team, who were enjoying some good possession and looked confident on the ball.

While the visitors were dominating the possession, there had been a lack of quality threat on Courtois' goal. Chelsea were offering even less toward De Gea's area, though.

De Gea was the subject of controversy in the 35th minute as he came to clear a deep cross to the edge of the area. The United goalkeeper appeared to control the ball outside of the area to the chagrin of some home fans.

Three minutes later, Chelsea were ahead. John Terry dispossessed Falcao on the halfway line before finding Cesc Fabregas, who danced through challenges on the left and passed to Oscar.

The Brazil international back-heeled into the path of Hazard, who chased forward and slid the ball under De Gea.

Moments later, Falcao, who seemed to believe he had been fouled in the build-up to the goal, was involved in an altercation with Terry on the halfway line, and both men were spoken to by the referee.

Drogba was cautioned in the 53rd minute for a foul on Paddy McNair, and seconds later the Ivorian almost added a second goal for the Blues.

Nemanja Matic took advantage of a poor Ander Herrera ball to set the striker loose for a run on goal. Chris Smalling stayed with Drogba, whose shot took a deflection off the defender's leg and over De Gea.

Hazard was following up at the far post but could only push the ball against the woodwork and United cleared.

Branislav Ivanovic received the second yellow card of the game for bringing down Luke Shaw, who had threatened with a thrilling run down the left for United.

Shaw showed great pace moments later before firing a low cross into the area, which Mata could not connect fully with.

Mourinho made his first change of the game in the 67th minute as Oscar was withdrawn for Ramires.

There was great applause from all sides of the ground 20 minutes from the end as Mata left the field to be replaced by Adnan Januzaj, while Ashley Young came off for Angel Di Maria.

Gary Cahill produced a superb block seconds later as Falcao connected with a Fellaini ball into the Chelsea area.

Falcao got a clearer chance to make his mark in the 77th minute when he slipped in behind Zouma, but the Colombia international could only fire against the post.

With 10 minutes remaining, Van Gaal brought off the impressive Shaw for Tyler Blackett.

Ultimately, an impressive display from Shaw wasn't enough to prevent Chelsea from holding down the lead and taking a major step closer to the Premier League title.

Selected Player Ratings

Eden Hazard: A+

The Chelsea star proved once more to be a cut above the rest as he raced on to a smart Oscar backheel for his goal. Always inventive.

Radamel Falcao: B

The striker was handed a chance to finally prove himself at Manchester United but missed it. There might have been a question mark over whether John Terry fouled him to set up Chelsea's goal, but the forward should have been stronger. He carried little threat during the game.

Oscar: A

The Brazil international put recent criticism of his form behind him with an excellent display for Chelsea, including a superbly executed back-heel assist for Hazard's goal.

Luke Shaw: A

The Manchester United left-back has found himself falling down the pecking order behind Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo recently, but he produced some excellent play on the flank to provide a timely reminder of his abilities.

Post-Match Reaction