Chelsea extend lead at Everton

By Roger Brown

Chelsea FC extended their lead at the the top of the Premiership to 12 points with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park against Everton FC, putting further pressure on second-placed Manchester United FC for tomorrow's derby with Manchester City FC.

Beattie off
The home side were reduced to ten men after eight minutes when record signing James Beattie was dismissed following an off-the-ball incident involving William Gallas. Eidur Gudjohnsen tapped home the winner in the 69th minute after Claude Makelele had hit the bar. Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech's has extended his Premiership record run of clean sheers to nine games.

Liverpool loss
With fourth-placed Everton losing, Liverpool FC in fifth had the chance to close ground but were defeated 2-0 at Birmingham City FC. Walter Pandiani scored from the penalty spot after 38 minutes while Julian Gray doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time. Just behind Liverpool, Middlesbrough FC drew 0-0 at in-form Bolton Wanderers FC to remain sixth and seventh respectively.

Rovers romp
Blackburn Rovers FC move further away from the relegation places with a 3-0 victory against fellow strugglers Norwich City FC. Morten Gamst Pedersen opened the scoring on 17 minutes, Paul Dickov increased the lead six minutes before the break and then added another on 62 minutes.

Villa win
An own goal after 17 minutes from Portsmouth FC's Arjen de Zeeuw gave Aston Villa FC the lead at Fratton Park, and although Aiyegbeni Yakubu equalised seven minutes later, Thomas Hitzlsperger struck the winner for Villa on 73 minutes.

Other matches
The Manchester derby is the only Sunday game while third-placed Arsenal FC play Crystal Palace FC at Highbury on Monday.

For news of victories for Tottenham Hotspur FC and Fulham FC in FA Cup replays today, click here