Man. United go three points clear
Chelsea held by Everton
Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick scored for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth as the champions turned the screw in the Premier League title race last night.
A less than convincing victory was enough to put United three points clear with a game in hand after they had been knocked off top spot for 24 hours by Liverpool's 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal.
Chelsea are six points behind United, also having played a game more, after Guus Hiddink's side were held 0-0 by Everton at Stamford Bridge in an FA Cup final rehearsal.
Rooney put United in front after nine minutes, sliding in from close range to finish a low Ryan Giggs cross.
United were edgy after the break but Carrick made the points safe eight minutes from time after a good pass from Paul Scholes, who was making his 600th United appearance.
Chelsea's Premier League title challenge is fading after the Blues were held by Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues couldn't break down a stubborn Everton rearguard action at Stamford Bridge and look destined to miss out on the English crown for a third successive season.
The west London club are six points behind leaders Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson's team can make the gap nine points if they win their game in hand.
After being frustrated by Everton, Chelsea will see the Champions League, where they face Barcelona in the semi-finals, and the FA Cup as their best hopes of giving Hiddink a successful send-off before he returns to his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis.
Judging by the evidence of this FA Cup final dress rehersal, Chelsea will have to raise their game considerably to beat David Moyes' team at Wembley.