By Simon A. M. Milham

EDEN Hazard’s 22nd minute penalty was enough to hand Chelsea a 1-0 victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

The Belgian broke clear of Phil Jones, but the United defender’s clumsy challenge brought Hazard down and referee Michael Oliver was left in little doubt, immediately pointing to the spot.

Hazard dusted himself down and sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way, stroking the ball into the net.

Though United pressed in the second half, they created very little in the way of clear-cur chances, with Paul Pogba’s wayward free header from a late corner proving the best of them..

Hazard proved the inspiration as United huffed and puffed but looked in need of more guile to break down a staunch Chelsea rearguard in a game that lacked quality and goalmouth action.

The 27-year-old forward fuelled speculation over his future this week by stating he will wait and see how Chelsea’s close-season transfer policy develops before committing to a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

But he was all business at England’s national stadium as he turned the first half into an ordeal for Jones.

United improved upon a tepid showing after the break and Alexis Sanchez had a goal ruled out for offside, but even the late introduction of Romelu Lukaku on his return from an ankle injury could not force an equaliser.

It meant a sweet victory for Antonio Conte over his rival Jose Mourinho on what could prove his farewell outing as Chelsea coach, with the FA Cup a notable consolation after their Premier League title defence slumped to a fifth-place finish.

As in the semi-final win over Tottenham, David de Gea was preferred to United’s regular cup goalkeeper Sergio Romero and the Spain international was called upon in the ninth minute.

Jones gave away possession and Tiemoue Bakayoko set Hazard running at the backpedalling England defender, whom he skipped past and forced De Gea to save with his right boot at the near post.

Bakayoko and Sanchez had half-hearted penalty appeals turned down but there was little doubt for referee Michael Oliver when he later pointed to the United spot.

An utterly hapless start to the game continued for Jones, who blundered through Hazard as the Belgium star darted around him after bringing Cesc Fabregas’ lofted pass under his spell.

Conte was furious on the touchline after Jones was only yellow-carded – in line with the International Football Association Board update brought in from last season – but Hazard was a picture of calmness as he stroked home, sending De Gea the wrong way.

Jones had a chance to make amends but headed wide at the far post from Ashley Young’s left-wing cross, with United belatedly arriving as an attacking force in the closing minutes of the half.

Antonio Rudiger blocked well from Marcus Rashford after Paul Pogba drove a counter-attack in stoppage time.

Mourinho’s side enjoyed their first sustained spell of pressure early in the second half, with Ander Herrera liberated from attempting to shackle Hazard and lending greater impetus to United’s midfield play. (Yahoo Sport)