Chelsea edge Manchester United to FA Cup glory

World
Europe

01:30

Chelsea have finally ended their silverware-drought by finishing a mediocre season with an FA Cup triumph at Wembley. Belgium international Eden Hazard scored a match-winning first-half penalty to help Antonio Conte’s boys, who finished outside the top four in the recently-ended Premier League season, lift the trophy and leave Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United empty-handed this entire season.

Eden Hazard of Chelsea is fouled by Phil Jones of Manchester United in the penalty area during the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. /VCG Photo

Hazard was brought down inside the penalty box by Phil Jones after 22 minutes and made no mistake to find the target from the subsequent spot kick.

A jolted United pressed for the equalizer and saw a Alexis Sanchez goal being ruled out for offside, courtesy a VAR judgment. A brilliant Thibaut Courtois excelled with a succession of fine saves to keep the Red Devils attack at bay.

The best scoring chance for United came when Paul Pogba failed to capitalize on an easy scoring chance late in the game as he headed wide of an open goal.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard scores their first goal from the penalty spot. /VCG Photo

As the final whistle was blown, the score remained 1-0 in Chelsea’s favor, ensuring a happy ending to a rather lackluster season while United, who finished second in the league, 19 points behind champions Manchester City, failed to win a single piece of silverware in the entire season.