Chelsea hammer Pompey to move a point behind United

A DAVID James howler helped Chelsea to a 5-0 victory at bottom club Portsmouth as the Blues moved a point behind Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.

James was left red-faced in the 32nd minute when he raced out of his area to clear a harmless ball forward but missed it completely, albeit after an unfortunate bobble, to allow Didier Drogba the simplest of finishes. Florent Malouda struck twice after half-time before Drogba got his second and Frank Lampard completed the rout in injury-time as the Blues bounced back from their 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in emphatic style.

Portsmouth remain 14 points adrift of safety and their relegation could be confirmed on Saturday week when they travel to Blackburn.

John Carew was Aston Villa's saviour for the second time in five days but Martin O'Neill's side dropped two more points in their push for a Champions League spot against visiting Sunderland.

Carew had scored a late equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wolves and he again came to the rescue after Fraizer Campbell had given the Black Cats a 22nd-minute lead.

The Norwegian international netted his 14th goal of the season – and his sixth in the last five games – to ensure Villa remain unbeaten in the league in 2010.

Roberto Mancini and David Moyes were involved in a touchline bust-up after Everton dented Manchester City's Champions League hopes with a 2-0 victory.

Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta were both on target as fast-finishing Everton claimed a victory which denied City fourth place in the league.

City had dominated most of the game and the pressure on Mancini was evident as tensions spilled over when he and Moyes clashed in injury time. As City tried to make a substitution, Mancini and Moyes confronted each other and Walton sent both to the stands after fourth official Howard Webb intervened.

At Ewood Park, a brace from David Dunn against his old club Birmingham ensured Blackburn collected three points that virtually guarantees their top-flight survival.

Dunn fired past Joe Hart after just five minutes to give the hosts the lead. James McFadden equalised after the break direct from a free-kick before Dunn's 67th-minute header sealed a win that takes Sam Allardyce's team 14 points clear of the drop zone.