The champagne remains on ice but Chelsea will clinch their second successive Barclays Premiership title if they take a point off Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight's time.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho's second title in as many years will surely be made all the more sweeter if they can secure it against the team that had, at one stage, threatened to spoil another memorable season in west London.

United's victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane had briefly cut Chelsea's lead at the top to six points but Mourinho's men have the scent of glory in their nostrils and they set about deconstructing Everton with an efficiency worthy of their champion status.

Mourinho had always insisted United's results were of little concern as the season surged towards its conclusion but after United's success over Spurs, it was imperative that his side collected three points against the Merseysiders.

They did so with another faultless performance which was sparked into life by Frank Lampard's opening goal in the 28th minute — his 16th Premiership goal of the season.

Didier Drogba then sent the Chelsea faithful into party mood with an unstoppable header in the 62nd minute before Michael Essien wrapped up a comfortable afternoon for the home side with a third goal in the 74th minute.

Everton offered little attacking ambition and their cause was further hampered by the dismissal of Lee Carsley for a reckless lunge on Drogba early in the second half.