Everton 0-1 Chelsea

Essien (right) pulled the strings in the Chelsea midfield

Chelsea closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to two points with this resilient display against Everton at Goodison Park.
Michael Essien hit the winner after 41 minutes, clipping a close-range effort over Tim Howard after exchanging passes with Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Everton were industrious but lacked the quality to unlock the resolute Blues.
Manuel Fernandes went close with a curling free-kick as the hosts pressed for an equaliser, but Chelsea held on.
It may have been a nervy finish for the Blues but they were good value for the three points and Avram Grant's side are back in the hunt for the league title.
The Israeli's position at Stamford Bridge had come under scrutiny after Monday's draw with Wigan, but his players were focused and determined enough not to let another lead slip at Goodison Park.
The result also leaves Everton's Champions League qualification hopes in tatters with them trailing neighbours Liverpool by five points with three games to play. The superb Ricardo Carvalho typified Chelsea's defensive efforts - regularly shutting out Andy Johnson and strike partner Yakubu.
Everton's only chance of the first period came when Fernandes' dipping free-kick forced Cech into an uncomfortable parry behind.
Chelsea bossed possession in non-threatening areas but looked toothless for large periods with the absence of Didier Drogba highlighting the Blues' finishing deficiencies.
And their delivery to the misfiring Nicolas Anelka, particularly from wide areas, was desperately poor.
When the Frenchman did get a sight of goal, he dragged his shot well wide of Howard's left post.
Everton were forced to defend for long periods but were able to create moments of creativity going forward, with Joleon Lescott providing a useful outlet down the left flank. But it was Chelsea who produced the first move of quality, coupled with a huge slice of fortune, and it enabled Essien to claim his second goal in four days.
The Ghanaian looked to play a neat exchange with Wright-Phillips before a wicked deflection off Phil Jagielka helped the ball into the on-rushing Essien's path.
Howard advanced but Essien kept his composure and slotted over the keeper from close in.
A fizzing, long-range drive from Jon Obi Mikel almost gave the visitors an undeserved second soon after, but Howard was alert to tip over.

Carvalho (left) was immense for his skipper Terry

Chelsea failed to build on their lead after the break with Everton bossing possession without seriously threatening Petr Cech's goal.
Fernandes produced a stunning free-kick that whistled inches past the post, and the Portuguese also enjoyed flashing drives from distance.
But for all the Toffees' purpose, the key pass failed to materialise and their Champions League qualification hopes have all but come to an end.

Redknapp taking police to court

Harry Redknapp has led Portsmouth to this year's FA Cup final

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is taking the police to court over his arrest during an inquiry into alleged football corruption.
Mr Redknapp, along with his wife Sandra, has lodged a legal action at the Administrative Court of the High Courts of Justice in London.
They want a judicial review into a raid at their home in Sandbanks, Dorset.
Mr Redknapp, who denies any wrongdoing, was arrested last November by City of London Police.
A spokesman for the court confirmed that an action had been received and a first hearing will be held on 2 May.
A City of London Police press officer said the force would not comment.
Following his release on bail, Redknapp held a press conference in which he spoke of his "bitter disappointment" at the way the raid and his arrest had been handled.
He complained that the police arrived at his home at 0600 accompanied by press photographers.
Mr Redknapp was not available for comment today.
Nine people are on bail in connection with the continuing inquiry.

Strachan proud of Celtic spirit

Manager Gordon Strachan was delighted to see Celtic stay in the title race after Jan Vennegoor
of Hesselink's injury-time winner.

Strachan was happy to see his side snatch a last-gasp winner

"It keeps it ticking along nicely," Strachan told BBC Sport after a thrilling 2-1 victory at Celtic Park.
"We showed tremendous spirit to come back and keep creating chances after missing the penalty."
Celtic are a point behind the Scottish Premier League leaders but have played two games more than their rivals.
A brawl broke out on the pitch on the final whistle but Strachan said: "I've not got a clue what happened.
"For me to comment on something I don't know anything about would be like me talking about politics. I never saw anything there."
Asked if the referee requested to talk to any Hoops stars, Strachan added: "I think he wanted to speak to one or two players after the game. I think he spoke to one or two players."
It later transpired that Celtic's Gary Caldwell and David Weir of Rangers were shown red cards after the match, which followed the 70th-minute dismissal of the visitors' defender Carlos Cuellar for handling a net-bound Shunsuke Nakamura shot.
"I think the Old Firm games have gone back to a 1980s style," stated Strachan.
"When I first came here it was a footballing Old Firm but it's more intense now.
"Atmosphere-wise it's good, as long as the players maintain discipline." Nakamura fired Celtic in front as the home side dominated the first half.
Nacho Novo equalised after the break and Celtic missed a great chance when Scott McDonald's penalty, which followed Cuellar's handball, was saved by Allan McGregor. However, Celtic found a winner in the 93rd minute when Vennegoor of Hesselink headed home from inside the six-yard box.
"We were in control in the first half and I felt we were worthy of our lead, although I would have preferred two or three," said Strachan.
"I knew one wouldn't be enough because Rangers would react - and they did."

Nevin tips Rijkaard for Chelsea

Rijkaard's Barcelona face Manchester United in the Champions League

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will be the new Blues boss next season.
Present manager Avram Grant has come under increasing pressure following Monday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.
Nevin told BBC Sport: "I'm speaking as someone who just wants the best for the club. I don't have the ear of chairman Bruce Buck or owner Roman Abramovich.
"But I would not be devastated or all that surprised if Frank Rijkaard turns up as the Chelsea manager next year."
Rijkaard is himself under pressure at Barcelona, despite leading the club to the Champions League semi-finals this season - where they are joined by Chelsea. Nevin believes that former Stamford Bridge striker Gianfranco Zola would be another leading contender - if Grant leaves at the end of the season.
And the Scot has a suspicion that long-serving assistant manager Steve Clarke is likely to leave Stamford Bridge if Grant remains at the London club.
"Zola is still great friends with Stevie Clarke and I would hope that Stevie would still be down there," said Nevin on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"If Avram Grant stays, I don't think that will be the case. If Avram Grant goes, you never know."
Nevin revealed that he had been swamped with angry emails from Chelsea fans following Wigan's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
"I write for the Chelsea website every Tuesday and usually ask a little question at the end," he added.
"Usually, I get a couple of hundred emails per week. But, oh dear, my emails went into meltdown because the only way you can contact the club is through my email address.
"I've got over 1000 emails sitting there and they are not answers to the question."
Nevin said that many fans were furious and had given up on Grant.
"Most seem to think he has a problem and that is the important games, yet those games have come against lesser clubs," stated Nevin.
"They lost a cup final to Spurs when Chelsea basically did not turn up and they lost to Barnsley when the FA Cup was wide open for them.
"Then, of course, they lost a late equaliser to a Wigan side that were waiting to get hammered.
"He had left out Drogba and left out Ricardo Carvalho, which was an amazing decision.
"And, most important of all, he left out Joe Cole for the first half and played Florent Malouda, who was absolutely hopeless."
Nevin pointed out that there had been positives to Grant's reign.
"He has only lost three games all season in the league and could still win the Champions League," he added.
"And can you sack a manager who has just won the Champions League?"

Rooney can be England captain

England coach Fabio Capello has earmarked Wayne Rooney as a future England captain but believes the striker needs more time to mature.

Capello (left) says Rooney has the right qualities to be captain.

"Wayne Rooney is young but I believe in the future he could be captain of England one day," said the Italian.
"He is a leader, he is a good example on the pitch. We need to give him a bit more time to get some more experience and mature a bit.
"The good thing is he has got a big margin of improvement ahead of him."
Capello will continue to rotate the captain's armband before naming a permanent leader ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next season, which has led to Rooney, 22, being linked with the role. England will next play the United States in a friendly next month but the Italian would not reveal who would lead out the side at Wembley.
"I am undecided who will be captain for the next game," said Capello. "But I do believe Rooney could one day be captain.
"He is the most talented young English player. He is very good at everything. The one thing he can improve is the number of chances he puts away.
"He doesn't convert as many as he could but I am sure that will come in the future."
Rooney has captained Manchester United but he is known to have a combustible temperament and has a mixed disciplinary record with both club and country.
He was sent off for England in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in 2006, a match England went on to lose on penalties.
In 2004 a teenaged Rooney was substituted at half-time against Spain as it was feared the frustrated striker would sooner or later be sent off. A year later Rooney was criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson after he was dismissed in a Champions League match against Villarreal for mocking referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Meanwhile, Capello, speaking during a trip to Lesotho to promote the Football Association's involvement in developing the game at grassroots level in Africa, denied there was a rift between himself and Michael Owen.
The Newcastle United striker had reportedly said he was confused by Capello's tactics during the friendly defeat to France.
But Capello said: "First of all, Michael Owen has denied making those comments to begin with and I have absolutely no problem with him. There is no problem between him and me as far as I am concerned.
"My relationship with Michael Owen is the same as with all the players. A good manager should have that equal relationship whether it is with Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand or anyone else.
"I have a group of players and Michael Owen is part of my plans."

Inter join chase for Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho has struggled with fitness and form all season

Inter Milan are considering trying to hijack AC Milan's pursuit of Barcelona and Brazil forward Ronaldinho.
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani and Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis have said initial terms have been agreed.
But Inter president Massimo Moratti says his club could join the hunt.
"We will assess the possibility next week," Moratti told Italian television. "We have good relations with Barcelona and Ronaldinho's agent. We will see."
De Assis has said AC Milan is the only club he has spoken to but Moratti does not think that means the deal is done.
"It depends a bit on our decision," he said. "It is a deal that Milan is conducting well and it is like the transfer market is open. Therefore it is open for us, too."
Inter are likely to lose Luis Figo to retirement at the end of the season and another creative player is on their wishlist.
The two clubs clashed last year when Milan tried to sign striker David Suazo from Cagliari at the last minute after he had already held talks with Inter. The Honduran chose Inter.
Ronaldinho, 28, has had a difficult few months at the Nou Camp because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted.
The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season, unless he buys himself out of his contract.

Chelsea 1-1 Wigan

Wigan's late equaliser left Chelsea's players and supporters stunned
Emile Heskey struck with an injury-time volley to earn a point for Wigan and leave Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League hanging by a thread.
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made fine saves from Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou while John Terry hit the bar.
Chelsea eventually took the lead when Michael Essien struck from 20 yards.
But Heskey converted Jason Koumas's teasing cross to leave Chelsea five points behind leaders United with four games left to play. Heskey's goal is a hammer blow for Chelsea and a severe punishment for their failure to kill off the game after taking the lead with 54 minutes played.
The warning signs had been there when when Latics substitute Antoine Sibierski forced a decent save from Petr Cech minutes before Heskey scored.
And once the final whistle sounded a chorus of boos rang out across Stamford Bridge as manager Avram Grant made his way down the tunnel.
But the draw is a superb result for visiting team Wigan, who are now six points clear of the relegation zone. The Latics refused to give in and boss Steve Bruce was visibly delighted at the end, but in truth it was a far from inspired Chelsea performance.
Chelsea boss Grant, doubtless with Thursday's match against Everton in mind, opted to rest Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, while Frank Lampard withdrew for personal reasons shortly before kick-off.
The changes presented Anelka with a rare opportunity to lead the line and he should have scored after five minutes but headed wide from six yards. The France international appeared to have put his team in front later in the half with a looping header but was denied by Kirkland's brilliantly athletic save.
Paul Scharner then headed towards his own goal under pressure and it required Josip Skoko's goal-line clearance to ensure the Latics remained on level terms.
But these were all-too-rare chances in a rather humdrum opening half, played out in front of a crowd that seemed underwhelmed by events on the pitch.
And Wigan, who appeared comfortable for the most of the opening 45 minutes, were not without opportunities of their own.
.
Chelsea scorer Essien started after Frank Lampard fell ill
Scharner had a shot blocked while Cech, playing with a special chin strap to protect the 50 stitches he had in a facial wound last week, made a smart save at his near post to deny Antonio Valencia.
Cole replaced the ineffectual Florent Malouda at the break and his arrival coincided with a much a greater sense of urgency from the home team.
Terry crashed a volley against the crossbar from a corner and Kirkland brilliantly smothered a Kalou shot before Essien finally found the net after 55 minutes.
Anelka slipped but regained his footing to lay the ball off to Essien, whose 20-yard strike took a slight deflection off Emmerson Boyce on its way to goal.
All three chances fell within the space of 60 seconds - and from the moment Essien struck the home team seemed firmly in control.
Kirkland saved a header from Alex, Michael Ballack drilled a free-kick over the bar and Joe Cole narrowly missed as Chelsea looked for a decisive second goal.
But the late chances fell to Wigan, with substitute Sibierski's miss followed by Heskey's equaliser.

Derby 0-6 Aston Villa

Aston Villa hammered Derby at Pride Park to plunge the relegated Rams's season into an embarrassing new low.

Derby looked woefully short of Premier League quality.
Derby keeper Roy Carroll had a torrid first-half, failing to clear Ashley Young's free-kick for Villa's first.
John Carew drilled in seconds later before Stiliyan Petrov expertly lashed Carroll's hideously skewed clearance into the top corner from 45 yards.
Gareth Barry slotted in after half-time then Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood tucked away to end the rout. Derby manager Paul Jewell had talked of giving the fans a glimmer of light in a dark season for the Rams, and his players initially set about that task with zeal.
Young went close with a snap-shot on the half volley after five minutes but Derby, backed by a vociferous home crowd, dictated the early play with Kenny Miller providing guile.
The Scottish striker cleverly set up David Jones on the edge of the box on 15 minutes but he could only scuff a tame shot into Scott Carson's arms.
Derby continued to probe impressively but lacked real class around the penalty area and failed to carve out any clear-cut chances. But with the game drifting and Villa looking lacklustre, a mistake from Carroll changed the course of the game.
Young swung an innocuous free-kick towards goal from 30 yards on 25 minutes and, as Olof Mellberg challenged for the ball, Carroll failed to make any real contact to clear and the ball went straight into the net.
Cue Derby's catastrophic collapse.
Less than 60 seconds later, England midfielder Barry broke down the left wing to cross, Carroll could only push the ball away from a sea of bodies out to Carew, and Villa's big striker rammed a vicious shot back into the goal.

Jewell is still without a win in his 20 games as manager
With Derby's confidence now at rock bottom, Villa streamed forward in waves but it was another Carroll clanger which led to their third.
A routine punt downfield was skewed towards Petrov who, 45 yards from goal, controlled impeccably and then lashed back over Carroll's head into the top corner for a breathtaking goal.
That was enough for some Derby fans who have not tasted victory in 30 games and they soon filed towards the exit gates before half-time.
And the East Midlanders' suffering continued into the second-half.
On 53 minutes, Young neatly played England colleague Agbonlahor into the box and the rebound from his low shot, saved smartly by Carroll, was tapped home by Barry with Derby's defence at a complete standstill. Derby plugged away and Robbie Earnshaw forced Carson into a flying save but the Rams agony continued on 75 minutes.
A simple clearance inadvertently knocked on by a Derby defender was pounced upon by Agbonlahor who tucked into the corner from 15 yards.
Five minutes before full-time Patrik Berger played in fellow substitute Harewood who raced beyond Derby's static defence to coolly slot home past the beleaguered Carroll and boost Villa's European hopes.
The only relief for Derby was the final whistle and they are now in danger of becoming only the second club ever in history to go through a full league season with just one win.
The Rams now stand on the brink of breaking a host of records which would confirm then as the worst ever side in the Premier League - and one of the poorest top-flight teams ever.
Derby manager Paul Jewell:"It is difficult to accept a performance like this.
"We played well for the first 20 minutes but as soon as we concede a goal it is like a pack of cards and we just collapse.
"It is a horrible situation we are in and it is uncomfortable. As soon as we face a bit of adversity we have not got enough leaders or men to get us through it.
"Once they scored the difference in class was huge."
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:"We played very well today. Derby started very brightly and we were playing second fiddle.
"But we got the goal and the whole game changed. There was plenty of confidence about the side but we had to work hard and try to get the ball back.
"Petrov played very well last week and recreated that today.
"We have got everything to play for still this season, but we can't make any mistakes. We need to give ourselves a chance."