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By FRED BATES
MICHAEL BALLACK piled the pressure back on Manchester United as he inspired Chelsea to victory over Newcastle.
The German, whose double against United last week took them level with their rivals at the top, broke a stubborn Newcastle with a crucial 60th-minute opener at St James’ Park.
TIM NIGHTINGALE at Anfield
FERNANDO TORRES wrote another piece of history for himself with his 32nd goal of a stunning first season in English football.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has stood between Torres and the PFA and Writers' Footballer of the Year awards this week, and yet another fine strike here underlined why.
ADAM CROWHURST at The Emirates
ARSENAL kept alive hopes of snatching runners-up spot in the Barclays Premier League from Chelsea with 1-0 win over Everton at Emirates Stadium.
After leaders Manchester United ended any slim mathematical title chances yesterday, a 14th home league win courtesy of Nicklas Bendtner's second-half goal ensured both unbeaten campaign in Ashburton Grove.
ANDY DUNN at Old Trafford
AT LEAST they didn't hug, kiss or high-five. Just a half-embarrassed hand-shake and minimal eye contact.
No doubt Sir Alex Ferguson and Alan Curbishley made up for it with a bottle of vintage red in the bowels of Old Trafford...while 200 miles away, Avram Grant choked on his bitterness.
ROB SHEPHERD at Craven Cottage
IF Fulham retain their Premier League status next week then Roy Hodgson will be hailed as a miracle man.
No doubt, there will be few Roy of the Rovers or Houdini Hodgson headlines banded about.
GEOFF SWEET at Madejski Stadium
IT seems harsh to criticise a good guy who stood up for all that is morally correct by suspending two players who turned their back on Reading in an hour of need.
But the fates of Ibrahima Sonko and Emerse Fae fade into insignificance compared to where the Royals find themselves after this sad defeat to a Robbie Keane goal.
CHRIS BASCOMBE at Reebok Stadium
EL-HADJI DIOUF presented Bolton with the ideal parting gift by helping secure their Premier League status.
The Senegal winger intends to quit Wanderers at the end of the season but his 42nd-minute strike sent Gary Megson's side clear of the bottom three with a far superior goal difference to their relegation rivals.
DAVID HARRISON at Villa Park
STEVE BRUCE had £1million worth of reasons to be cheerful.
That was the Brucie bonus for keeping his Wigan team in the Premier League.
DAVID ALEXANDER at The Riverside
BETTER late than never. Beating Pompey at The Riverside for the first time in nine attempts was enough to book Boro another season in the Premier League.
Like last year, it was rather too close for comfort but at least there was little doubt about the outcome yesterday with Pompey dreaming of Wembley.
AIDAN MAGEE at Ewood Park
DERBY fans turned up in fancy dress — but it was quite appropriate that their team wore all black.
Paul Jewell's side are officially the worst in Premier League history. This horrific season has seen them earn a solitary win and rack up minus-65 goal difference.
YOUR SHOUT
Man Utd 4, West Ham 1
Man Utd 4, West Ham 1
Man Utd 4, West Ham 1
Man Utd 4, West Ham 1
Chelsea 2, Man United 1
Sunderland 1 Fulham 1
Chelsea 2, Man United 1
Tottenham 1, Bolton 1
Chelsea 2, Man United 1
Chelsea 2, Man United 1