PREMIERSHIP
Chelsea looked every inch champions in taking a significant step towards the Premier League title yesterday with victory at Everton, while the Manchester clubs stumbled in the race for the top four.
A superb second-half strike by Pedro and late goals from Gary Cahill and Willian stretched Chelsea’s lead at the top over Tottenham to seven points as they emphatically ended Everton’s run of eight successive home wins.
The 3-0 win by Antonio Conte’s relentless side turned the pressure back on Spurs ahead of their derby with Arsenal later on Sunday.
Arsenal badly need three points to stay in the race for a Champions League spot, but their hopes were boosted with Manchester City and United both held to surprise draws against relegation strugglers.
Chelsea took time to settle but once Pedro scored their opener – his first goal in nine matches – the floodgates opened and they became an irresistible force against their hosts.
“This gives us lots of confidence,” Conte told Sky Sports. “Now it is important to prepare the final rush.
“If in the next game against Middlesbrough you don’t win, you lose this victory. We must look step by step.”
Chelsea need nine points to be assured of being crowned English champions in Conte’s first season in charge, but less will do it if Spurs falter.
Cahill’s eighth goal of the season and Willian’s beautifully worked third inflicted only Everton’s second home defeat of the season.
“It was convincing but we had to work hard for it,” Cahill told Sky Sports.
“Pedro’s goal was special, at times you need a bit of class to open up a team, that’s what he did today. I’m buzzing with that, it’s a huge result for us.”
City had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Middlesbrough and United drew 1-1 at home to Swansea.
City relied on 20-year-old striker Gabriel Jesus to secure them a point in the final five minutes of their game against a Boro side scenting back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since May 2008......
Read more: Thisdaylive
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