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UNITED STORM FIVE POINTS CLEAR

Sir Alex Ferguson applauds Manchester United fans at Goodison Park

Saturday April 28,2007

By Geoff Marsh for express.co.uk

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MANCHESTER United have one hand on the Premiership title tonight after coming from behind to beat Everton 4-2 at Goodison Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men finally overcame a determined Everton side - while Jose Mourinho's Chelsea could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Bolton.

Wayne Rooney scored United’s vital third goal against his old club in the 78th minute. The victory was wrapped up by a fourth in stoppage time from youngster Chris Eagles.

It meant that United, who travel to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 9, have 85 points to the champions’ 80 with just three games to play.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho shakes hands with Bolton boss Sam Allardyce

Title fortunes swung one way and then the next on a thrilling afternoon of sunlit football, with Chelsea at one stage level on points with United as Alex Ferguson’s men trailed on Merseyside and Chelsea led in west London.

Sir Alex Ferguson said John O’Shea’s second-half goal - which reduced the deficit to 2-1 - was the turning point for his side in their win at Everton.

O’Shea - who scored a vital winner at Liverpool earlier in the season - bundled the ball in from close range to spark a fightback including strikes from Wayne Rooney and Chris Eagles, and an own goal from former United stalwart Phil Neville.

Ferguson said: “I didn’t think we did badly but they got two goals from two great strikes and in football that can happen.

“At that point we were toying with bringing on (Cristiano) Ronaldo if we got a goal because he’s carrying an injury. And at that point I felt we really had a chance.”

Fans at both matches paid tribute before kickoff with sustained applause in memory of former Everton player and England 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball, who was found dead at his home after a suspected heart attack on Tuesday night. Players marked the occasion by wearing black armbands.