A deflected Juan Mata strike gave Chelsea a win at a lacklustre Manchester United which lifts the Blues up to third in the Premier League.
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An Oscar shot for Chelsea was palmed on to the post by home keeper Anders Lindegaard before United's Robin van Persie glanced a shot just wide.
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The match appeared to be petering out when Mata's shot went in via a ricochet off Phil Jones. United had Rafael red-carded late on for a kick on David Luiz.
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Brazilian Luiz was seen smiling on the floor after Rafael's crude challenge as the game ended in the kind of fiery intensity the match had been missing for the most part.
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The win against United was more important than the performance for Chelsea as they moved a point ahead of Arsenal in fourth, with a game in hand over the Gunners.
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The victory also puts the Blues three points in front of fifth-placed Tottenham, who they play on Wednesday.
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The match was Chelsea's 65th of the season and 12th in 37 days and, after Arsenal and Spurs both won on Saturday, the pressure was on Rafael Benitez's side to respond.
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The visitors quickly took the initiative and created the first threat on goal, with the teasing Mata crossing for the stretching Demba Ba to head over.
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Another Mata cross fell to Ba at the far post and, although the Chelsea forward did well to take the ball down on his chest, he could only strike an air shot before United cleared their lines.
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There was a lack of zip and urgency about the home side and they almost paid the price when Oscar ran unchallenged at the Red Devils goal before having a shot palmed on to the post by Lindergaard.
Congratulations to Chelsea on this win. They goal came at the right time for the team. United had nothing to lose.