No stopping the Blues now

Chelsea 3 Everton 0

But in spirit, in attitude and in performance, the blue and white ribbons may as well be tied to the Premiership trophy. This emphatic victory confirmed that there is no stopping them now, and Manchester United know it.

Alex Ferguson's side may have pooped one party in beating Tottenham in yesterday's early kick-off, and thus extending this season's nominal title race by another fortnight, but in doing so they have inadvertently cast themselves in the role of king-makers.