West London giants Chelsea have closed the gap on the Premier League top four in the race for Champions League football next season following their controversial win over Welsh side Cardiff City.
Chelsea needed to win the game to boost their top-four hopes especially after the victory recorded by rivals Manchester United on Saturday evening.
The Blues dominated possession in a goalless first half as they were restricted to few opportunities by the hosts.
The game sprang to life at the start of the second half when Cardiff City took the lead through Victor Camarasa via an assist from Harry Arter.
The Spaniard scored for the home side just after the halftime interval to give the Bluebirds a big goal in the fight against relegation.
Cardiff City kept Chelsea at bay until a controversial 86th-minute goal from Cesar Azpilicueta gave Chelsea a fantastic route back into the game.
The Spaniard was in an offside position when he scored the equaliser for Chelsea.
Substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek then converted Willian’s cross on the stroke of full-time to give Chelsea a priceless 2-1 win.
The victory over Cardiff City took Chelsea within one point of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United (61 points) in third and fourth position respectively.
Chelsea stay in sixth position but they are now level with London rivals Arsenal (60 points) who have a game in hand.
