By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Marc Cucurella emerged the unlikely hero on Friday night as Chelsea secured a gritty 1–0 victory over Manchester United, thanks to his late header in a tense Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
In a match brimming with near-misses, VAR drama, and end-to-end action, it was the Spaniard’s 71st-minute goal that proved decisive, propelling the Blues to a vital three points and denting United’s hopes of European qualification.
The game began with controversy. In the 16th minute, Harry Maguire appeared to have opened the scoring for United after heading home a cross from Bruno Fernandes.
However, jubilation quickly turned to frustration as VAR intervened. Following a thorough review, referee Chris Kavanagh ruled the goal out for offside, much to the dismay of the United players.
Chelsea nearly capitalised on the momentum swing in the 25th minute, when Reece James rattled the post with a powerful strike from outside the box.
The Blues continued to press, and just before the break, Cole Palmer unleashed a fierce shot that forced a fine save from Andre Onana. Enzo Fernandez, latching onto the rebound, could only blaze his effort over the bar.
United responded after the restart, with Mason Mount spurning a golden opportunity in the 53rd minute. Played through by Amad Diallo, the midfielder found himself one-on-one with the keeper but fired narrowly wide.
The tension escalated in the 62nd minute when Chelsea were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge by Onana. But once again, VAR stole the spotlight. After a lengthy review, the referee overturned his initial decision, sparking disbelief among the Chelsea ranks.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 71st minute. Reece James, a constant threat on the right, delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box. Marc Cucurella rose highest and powered a header past Onana into the top right corner — his first Premier League goal in Chelsea colours — igniting celebrations in West London.
Chelsea nearly doubled their lead moments later when Noni Madueke came close with a low effort that whistled just wide.
At the other end, Amad Diallo produced a brilliant solo run, but Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez was equal to the task, preserving his side’s slender advantage.
Despite late pressure from the visitors, Chelsea held firm to register a hard-fought victory and moved into top four.
