Eden Hazard's first-half penalty was enough for Chelsea to claim the 2018 FA Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.

The Belgian was brought down in the box by Phil Jones and cooly slotted the resulting spot-kick past a hapless David De Gea.

Speaking on Friday at his pre-match press conference, Blues manager Antonio Conte expected a tactical and tight affair, and fans on both sides were left disappointed when the Italian's words were brought to fruition.

Conte's side seemed hellbent on rectifying their insipid defensive performance at St. James' Park last weekend as their defensive tenacity nullified a timid United attack.

With Romelu Lukaku on the bench, Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho relied upon an attacking trio of Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. But the fluidity that such a selection inspired became futile when Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses dropped back to create a formidable five-man wall in front of Thibaut Courtois.

The game was desperate for positivity, and unsurprisingly, it was Hazard who provided the necessary spark. Threaded through by a superb pass from Cesc Fabregas, Hazard was in on goal before Jones hacked him down from behind.

The England defender was lucky to escape with a yellow card and his side would soon be down when Hazard finished cooly from twelve yards out.

Lukaku and Anthony Martial provided a small spark when they were introduced after 72 minutes, but United's only clear cut chance was squandered shortly after.

Paul Pogba was gifted a sure goal when an uncharacteristic lapse of concentration from the Blues defence allowed him a free header directly in front of Courtois from six yards out. It was almost fitting when, given the maligned season he has endured, that his subsequent header sprayed wide past the far post.

Wild celebrations ensued in the blue end of Wembley after Michael Oliver's whistle blew for the last time. Conte was understandably ecstatic in what could be a perfect end to his career as Chelsea manager.