How Chelsea's win over Norwich affects Premier League race for the top four

Chelsea took ownership of third place as they laid down a marker in the clustered race for a top four finish in the Premier League.

The Blues' 1-0 win over already relegated Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday saw them move clear of both Leicester and Manchester United in the fight for a place in next season's Champions League.

Olivier Giroud scored the game's only goal on the stroke of half-time, with Frank Lampard's side able to take advantage of slips from both Leicester and Manchester United in recent days.

A second half collapse from Brendan Rodgers' Foxes saw them lose 4-1 at relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Sunday, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Red Devils conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to Southampton's Michael Obafemi on Monday to draw 2-2.

Olivier Giroud struck the game's only goal against Norwich (Eddie Keogh NMC Pool)

Had United had held onto that lead they would have gone third, but that is now firmly Chelsea's position after this hard-fought win over the Canaries.

Here's how the top four fight looks going into the season's final games.

3. Chelsea

Points: 63

Played: 36

Goal difference: +15

Remaining fixtures: Liverpool (A), Wolves (H)

4. Leicester City

Points: 59

Played: 35

Goal difference: +29

Remaining fixtures: Sheffield United (H), Tottenham (A), Man Utd (H)

5. Manchester United

Points: 59

Played: 35

Goal difference: +26

Remaining fixtures: Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Leicester (A)

Unied were made to rue their dropped points on Monday (2020 Pool)

6. Wolves

Points: 55

Played: 35

Goal difference: +11

Remaining fixtures: Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H), Chelsea (A)

7. Sheffield United

Points: 54

Played: 35

Goal difference: +5

Remaining fixtures: Leicester (A), Everton (H), Southampton (A)

8. Tottenham Hotspur

Points: 52

Played: 35

Goal difference: +9

Remaining fixtures: Newcastle (A), Leicester (H), Crystal Palace (A)