Chelsea edge closer to title

Chelsea moved a step closer to the Barclays Premiership title tonight after a goalless draw against champions Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Robert Pires rattled the crossbar for the visitors early on and Didier Drogba had chances for the Blues – but the deadlock remained unbroken.

Jose Mourinho’s side maintained their 11-point at the top but no longer have the chance of clinching the title this weekend.

Everton are still in the driving seat to finish in fourth place after Duncan Ferguson scored the only goal of the game against Manchester United at Goodison Park.

In a rare start for the Scot, Ferguson stooped after 55 minutes to head home a Mikel Arteta free-kick from the left.

United, who are now four points behind second-placed Arsenal, had Gary Neville sent off after he kicked the ball into the crowd and then Paul Scholes red-carded in stoppage time.

But Liverpool, also looking to snatch fourth place, kept the pressure on their rivals with a 2-1 win against Portsmouth.

Fernando Morientes opened the scoring at Fratton Park after four minutes, bundling home from close range.

Diomansy Kamara levelled after slack marking from a corner, but Luis Garcia snatched the winner in first-half injury time

In the battle for relegation, Norwich kept their slim relegation hopes alive after a dramatic last-gasp winner from Dean Ashton against Newcastle at Carrow Road.

Youssef Safri opened the scoring for the Canaries with a spectacular long-range drive that crashed in off the bar.

Patrick Kluivert levelled late on but Ashton headed in a fantastic winner deep in stoppage time to grab the win for Nigel Worthington’s side.

West Brom grabbed a vital point at Tottenham to drag themselves out of the bottom three.

Zoltan Gera gave the Baggies the lead at White Hart Lane with a smart finish but Bryan Robson’s side could not hold on for the win.

Spurs striker Robbie Keane equalised early in the second half from the edge of the area after receiving a pass from Mido.

Crystal Palace’s survival hopes were hit by a Morten Gamst Pedersen winner for Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The Norway winger smashed home in first-half injury time from a Robbie Savage corner, with the finish going in off the crossbar.

Palace pushed for the leveller but were frustrated by a stubborn Rovers defence.

Villa and Charlton cancelled each other out at Villa Park, with a point not helping either side’s UEFA Cup hopes.

Addicks midfielder Danny Murphy hit his own crossbar but chances proved difficult to come by.

Manchester City recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win over Birmingham at Eastlands, with all the goals coming in the second half.

Maik Taylor’s own goal started proceedings after Robbie Fowler’s header had come off a post.

Richard Dunne headed in a second with 10 minutes to go and Antoine Sibierski then scored a late penalty.