Manchester United are within a solitary point
of what appears certain to be a record 19th league title after a
fully deserved 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old
Trafford.
The victory, secured thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and
Nemanja Vidic, gives Sir Alex Ferguson's side a six-point lead with
two games remaining in the Premier League season. Only a minor
miracle will now prevent them from securing a fourth league title
in five seasons, and surpassing the overall record they currently
hold with Liverpool.
Any hopes Chelsea had of taking top spot with a victory were
undone as early as 36 seconds into the game when David Luiz failed
to cut out a pass from Park Ji-Sung and Javier Hernandez, clinical
as ever, beat Petr Cech for the 19th goal of his debut season in
England.
United's lead was doubled after 23 minutes when Ryan Giggs, now
surely destined to collect his 12th title-winner's medal, found
Nemanja Vidic with a cross and the United captain converted with a
glancing header.
Chelsea performed horribly in the first half, with Luiz and John
Obi Mikel both substituted at half-time, but somehow pulled a goal
back on 68 minutes when Frank Lampard poked home a volley following
Branislav Ivanovic's knockdown.
But Chelsea were unable to claw their way back into the game and
instead the best chances fell to United, with Hernandez unmarked
when missing a header, as they closed out the all-important win.
United have won 52 of an available 54 points at Old Trafford this
season and will win the title if they secure a draw away at
Blackburn prior to the FA Cup final on Saturday.
