Premier League leaders Chelsea took a big step towards clinching the title as three second-half goals overcame Everton at Goodison Park.
Pedro’s 25-yard stunner, Gary Cahill’s close-range finish and Willian’s tap-in moved Antonio Conte’s side seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham, who face Arsenal later on Sunday.
It means the Blues could drop three points in their remaining four games and still claim a second title in three years, even if Spurs win all of their remaining fixtures.
Chelsea had to be patient, with Pedro’s left-footed, long-range strike not coming until the 66th minute.
Cahill sealed the win when Maarten Stekelenburg parried Eden Hazard’s free-kick onto the onrushing defender, before Willian slotted home from Cesc Fabregas’ cutback.
Everton had started brightly in a game that opened at breakneck speed, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming closest to scoring when he struck the post from a tight angle.
Manchester City’s draw at Middlesbrough means Ronald Koeman’s side, in seventh, are eight points adrift of the top four with three games left.
The day the title was won?
This may have been Tottenham’s strongest hope of Chelsea surrendering points in their run-in, with Everton placed higher than any of their four remaining opponents, and three home games on the horizon for the Blues.
It could prove to be the killer blow to Spurs’ spirited challenge, and seems to answer the question of whether Chelsea can handle the growing pressure applied by their London rivals’ eight-game winning run in the league.
The maths are simple for Chelsea – win three more games and they will be Premier League champions for the sixth time.
And the celebrations from Conte and his players at the final whistle at Goodison Park suggested the Blues feel they can get over the line in games against Middlesbrough, West Brom, Watford and Sunderland.
Add an FA Cup final win against Arsenal on 27 May and Conte would have had a remarkable first season in English football.
