ON AN evening dominated by decisions by the video assistant referee, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United strengthened their claims for a finish in one of the Premier League’s all-important top four spots with this victory at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s men slumped to their 10th defeat of the season as goals from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire, the latter who shouldn’t even have been on the pitch, saw the visitors take all three points.

"We keep another clean sheet, that's four on the bounce,” said the Manchester United manager. “We were a bit leggy, sometimes it takes time to blow the cobwebs out. First half we looked cumbersome but well, it's a result.”

The win ensured that Manchester United completed the league double over their opponents to add to the League Cup win at Stamford Bridge in October.

Things may have turned out differently had Maguire received his marching orders in the first half after planting his studs into Michy Batshuayi’s groin after a touchline altercation. Despite being reviewed, it was decided that the defender was not guilty of any misdemeanour.

"I've seen it again [the possible Harry Maguire red card] and VAR is there for that and they didn't get it right,” said Lampard.

"It didn't feel like a 2-0 and the performance was good in many ways but moments at this level can lose you the game.”

There was little between the sides in a tightly-contested first half. Chelsea had begun the match brightly with Reece James and then Willian coming close with goal-scoring opportunities. For a while, it seemed as if Lampard’s men would eventually find the breakthrough.

Just moments before the interval, however, the visitors were ahead when Martial scored with a glancing header.

Credit, however, must go to Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a fine cross for the French striker, who had stolen ahead of defender Andreas Christensen before diverting his headed effort beyond goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

On 55 minutes, substitute Kurt Zouma thought he had pulled Chelsea level.

The goal, however, was ruled out by the video assistant referee as it appeared Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta had fouled Brandon Williams. Replays showed that the Spanish defender had himself been shoved, causing him to be pushed into Williams.

Moments later, Bruno Fernandes struck the foot of the post with a free-kick as the visitors responded. However, they did have to wait long to extend their lead when Maguire scored his side’s second after planting his firm header beyond Caballero.

To further compound Chelsea’s miserable evening, Olivier Giroud had a goal ruled out on review as the match drew to a close. Chelsea fans had seen enough and filed for the exits.