Chelsea-Man Utd: What we learned

Here, Press Association Sport's Simon Peach looks at five things we learned from the Blues' 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

THE TITLE IS CHELSEA'S TO LOSE

A few unconvincing performances recently had led to suggestions that maybe, just maybe, Chelsea could get caught. Arsenal were lurking with intent but now this is almost certainly a case of when rather than if they win the league. This 1-0 triumph over United means things could be wrapped up within two matches if they beat Arsenal and then Leicester.

ROONEY IS A DECENT MIDFIELDER

United's derby win against Manchester City came at a cost, with a string of players ruled out of action here. The most glaring absentee was in-form Michael Carrick, meaning Wayne Rooney had to drop into an unfavoured central midfield role. It was a job he did well, finding pockets of space, firing cross-field balls and controlling the play.

ROONEY IS NEEDED IN ATTACK

Yes, Rooney did well in midfield, but his presence was badly missed at the top. Radamel Falcao continued to underwhelm in a United shirt, rarely causing the Chelsea backline a headache. There was a 20-yard strike from the edge of the box midway through the second half and an effort off the woodwork, but this was nothing like the kind of performance United fans had expected when he signed.

HAZARD IS THE PREMIER LEAGUE'S BEST

This was Chelsea's seventh straight win by a single goal and yet another match when Eden Hazard conjured up the game-changing moment. The Belgium international has dragged the Blues to the cusp of the Premier League and this latest goal - a fine finish at the near post - only strengthens his case for the end-of-season awards. He received a deserved standing ovation in stoppage time.

UNITED MAY BE ONTO A SHAW THING AFTER ALL

After a record-breaking move to Old Trafford, much was expected of the teenage left-back. Instead, Luke Shaw has struggled to make an impact, admitting himself that he deserves no better than a C grade for this season's exploits. Fitness has been regularly brought up as an issue, but he impressed on his first Premier League appearance in two months. Playing against his boyhood club, Shaw was a constant threat down the left, defended impressively and showed no lack of character after recent negative headlines.