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.

United are the next visitors to Stamford Bridge on 29 April, and although Jose Mourinho was diplomatically denying that he would not take any greater satisfaction in sealing his second title in as many years against his closest rivals, the glint in his eye said otherwise.

"I just want to be champions," he said. "Some people prefer to win it at home, some away, but for me the thing is to beat Manchester United and if we do that we will be champions. But if it was Blackburn or Newcastle, the desire would be the same. You cannot choose. For me it is important to finish in front of Manchester United. I have always said that the best team wins the championship because it is 10 months long and it is not about luck or mistakes. The best team wins so, if we finish first, I am very happy with that."

Mourinho was curiously muted yesterday, although defying expectations is typical of the man. He responded to his team's "mini-crisis" five wins in nine games by cracking jokes about bird flu and playfully taunting Ferguson's hopes of snatching back the title. Yesterday, when the trophy was all but thrust into his grasp, he was quiet, almost mournful in both attitude and appearance.

His team were in more predictable mood. Chelsea will never be beloved champions, but their mix of ruthless efficiency and precise, methodical football is still worthy of admiration. They were far too effective and canny for a limited Everton, even if it did take them almost half-an-hour to find their rhythm.

Then, in the 28th minute, came the breakthrough. Didier Drogba dispossessed Tim Cahill with an exquisitely-judged slide tackle by the left-hand touchline and marauded forward before slipping a pass to Frank Lampard, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. It was his 20th goal of the season, all from midfield. In a star-studded side, nobody sparkles more.

Chelsea fans adore him, but Drogba a player who was booed by sections of the Stamford Bridge crowd last month after his disingenuous performance against Manchester City is beginning to emerge as a rival. The Ivorian's stock rose further when he headed powerfully into the roof of the net from Lampard's pinpoint corner.

"I keep saying that to be a winner in competitions like the Premiership, you don't need artists, you need everyday players," said Mourinho. "I think we bought a very good player and he is playing very, very well."

By then, Everton had already been reduced to 10 men after Lee Carsley was dismissed for a reckless challenge on the busy Drogba.

He was not the only player to have a curtailed afternoon. Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper, failed to reappear for the second half after a challenge with James Beattie left him requiring stitches in a knee wound. Mourinho is not unduly concerned about the extent of the injury but, if there was any doubt that Carlo Cudicini would take over for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool, there is none now.

Chelsea sealed victory with 18 minutes remaining when Michael Essien launched a shot high past Richard Wright.

Opta Fact: There have now been 10 red cards in Chelsea v Everton fixtures in the Premiership only one fixture has seen more.

Opta Fact: Chelsea have scored two or more goals in their last six Premiership home games.

CHELSEA: Cech (Cudicini 45), Geremi, Gallas, Terry, Del Horno, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, Robben (Joe Cole 62), Crespo (Wright-Phillips 75), Drogba.

EVERTON: Wright, Neville, Weir, Yobo, Naysmith, Cahill, Carsley, Osman, Kilbane (Ferguson 70), McFadden, Beattie (Davies 69).

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).