Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Bolton at Stamford Bridge allowed
Manchester United to increase their lead at the top of the Barclays
Premiership to five points.
On an afternoon of twists and turns for United and Chelsea, Jose
Mourinho's side now look destined to finish runners-up.
United fought back from two goals down to win 4-2 at Everton, but
Chelsea allowed Kevin Davies to score a second-half equaliser to
virtually kill off their bid for a third successive Premier League
title.
Bolton went ahead in the 19th minute and although Chelsea hit back
to lead by half-time, Davies stunned the home crowd with the
all-important leveller in the 54th minute.
Mourinho had made six changes as he prepared for the Champions
League semi-final return leg against Liverpool at Anfield on
Tuesday night.
But after a bright opening, the biggest cheer was reserved for news
of Everton's opening goal against United at Goodison Park.
However, the cheers were soon reduced to deathly hush as Bolton
took a shock lead. Andranik Teymourian's free-kick caused panic in
the Chelsea defence and when Chelsea failed to clear their lines,
the ball fell to Lubomir Michalik to fire past Petr Cech.
But Chelsea's remarkable fighting spirit hauled them level just two
minutes later when Salomon Kalou met a cross from Wayne Bridge and
glanced the ball beyond the stranded Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Chelsea were rocked in the 29th minute, though, by the loss of
defender Ricardo Carvalho. Carvalho, who shook off a hamstring
injury in time to play against Liverpool in the Champions League
last Wednesday, appeared to suffer a recurrence of the
problem.
He was replaced by England midfielder Frank Lampard, with Michael
Essien switching to the centre of defence alongside England captain
John Terry.
Carvalho must now be a major doubt for the semi-final return
against Liverpool, although Essien is capable of playing in his
role.
Chelsea should have gone in front on the half-hour, but a stunning
volley from Andriy Shevchenko was tipped over by Jaaskelainen and
then Essien fired wide from Lampard's corner when the Bolton keeper
completely missed the flagkick.
The home side were now in totally control and it was only a matter
of time before the second goal arrived.
It came via the foot of goalkeeper Jaaskelainen in the 33rd minute.
Kalou rose highest to meet Lampard's corner at the far post and
when his header came down off the bar, it went into the net off
Jaaskelainen.
Chelsea were incessant with their attacks, but Bolton still had
enough guile in the final third to keep the home side alert.
A minute before the interval Bolton won a corner on the right, but
Cech used his experience to meet the ball and punch clear.
Chelsea made a further change at the interval, with Didier Drogba
replacing Andriy Shevchenko in attack.
In the 48th minute Kevin Davies was booked for a late challenge on
Mikel John Obi and moments later Shaun Wright-Phillips sent a
20-yard shot flashing just wide of the Bolton goal.
But in the 54th minute Bolton were level through Davies, who headed
home Tal's free-kick on the edge of the six-yard box with Cech
stranded.
The shock goal was soon forgotten by the home fans, though, as they
cheered loudly once more as news of Everton's second goal against
Manchester United filtered through to them.
In the 57th minute Drogba almost restored Chelsea's lead, but his
free-kick went inches over the crossbar.
The game had now reached a critical stage as far as Chelsea were
concerned as they had to ensure they made the most of United's woes
at Goodison.
Mourinho, always a man to be relied upon when it comes to making
the most of his substitutions, sent on Joe Cole in place of Lassana
Diarra on the hour.
It was designed to put more pressure on Bolton's withering defence
and moments later he was involved in the build-up which led to a
Drogba shot flashing across the face of the goal.
In the 64th minute Cole sent a 20-yard drive just wide of the
right-hand upright as Chelsea exerted more pressure on the Bolton
defence.
Chelsea poured forward in search of a winner, but Bolton's
rearguard refused to buckle.
The home were left stunned by news of United's fightback and
Chelsea's efforts to score the winner grew more frantic.
Drogba, Kalou and Cole all went close to scoring but, for once,
Chelsea's remarkable fighting spirit deserted them and the title
now looks certain to be heading to Old Trafford.