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Chelsea's John Terry battles with Everton's Tim Cahill - Source: Reuters -
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Manchester United tightened the screw in the Premier League
title race with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth as Chelsea were held to a
0-0 home draw by Everton on Thursday.
Wayne Rooney's early strike and a late goal from Michael Carrick
sent below-par United back to the top spot ahead of Liverpool,
three points clear with a game in hand.
United have 74 points with six matches left and Liverpool, who drew
4-4 at home to Arsenal on Wednesday, have 71 with five games
remaining. Chelsea are on 68 having played a game more than Alex
Ferguson's side.
After sitting out United's penalty shootout defeat by Everton in
the FA Cup semi-final on Monday, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo
returned for United as they set about seizing control of the league
and they were given the perfect start.
Anderson released Ryan Giggs down the left after nine minutes and
the veteran winger, as he has done throughout his career, picked
the perfect pass to allow Rooney the simplest of finishes.
John O'Shea and Giggs both missed chances to stretch the lead
before halftime against an unadventurous Portsmouth side who
created little threat.
There were still a few jitters around Old Trafford, however, until
Carrick made the points safe, supplying a polished finish to a ball
from midfielder Paul Scholes who was making his 600th appearance
for the club.
United's pleasure was enhanced by news of Chelsea's stalemate with
Everton at Stamford Bridge, a result that left Guus Hiddink's side
as rank outsiders for the title.
However, injuries to right backs Gary Neville and John O'Shea will
be a concern for Ferguson.
At Stamford Bridge, sixth-placed Everton were the better side in
the first half with Brazilian striker Jo twice unable to cash in
after being put through on goal.
The closest Chelsea came to a winner in a rehearsal for next
month's FA Cup final was a Didier Drogba shot against the crossbar
three minutes into stoppage time.
For a full list of Premiership top scorers, click here
