Chelsea edge closer to title after 0-0 draw

LIVERPOOL — Chelsea’s pursuit of the Premier League trophy will go into May after the runaway leaders drew 0-0 at Arsenal yesterday with a cautious, ultra-defensive display.

By protecting a 10-point lead over Manchester City and Arsenal, Chelsea can secure their first title in five years by beating Leicester on Wednesday and Crystal Palace next Sunday.

Chelsea were frustrated to have three penalty appeals rejected in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, two involving Oscar and then when Cesc Fabregas was booked for diving.

But Jose Mourinho seemed to send Chelsea with the target of avoiding losing. Injuries to top-scorer Diego Costa and Loic Remy meant no recognised striker featured in the starting line-up and Didier Drogba only came on at half-time when Oscar was forced off injured.

Meanwhile, Everton moved into the top 10 yesterday, partly redeeming a hugely disappointing season for their supporters with an impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United.

James McCarthy scored the opener with only five minutes gone at Goodison Park, John Stones doubled the lead in the 35th and Kevin Mirallas added a third in the 74th for Roberto Martinez’s side.

United stayed fourth, seven points clear of Liverpool in the fight for a Champions League spot.

McCarthy bundled his way past Paddy McNair and Daley Blind to put the Toffees ahead and Stones easily glanced in a header before the break. The United back four stood like statues waiting for an offside flag that never came in the second half as Mirallas sealed the rout for Everton, who are now unbeaten in six matches. AP