Livewire striker Javier Hernandez struck six minutes from time to give Manchester United a 1-0 home win over Everton that extended their Premier League lead to nine points on Saturday.
United, held 0-0 at Newcastle United in midweek, looked on course for another stalemate as they struggled to break down an Everton side who went into the game unbeaten in seven league games.
However, Hernandez leaped high to head home an Antonio Valencia cross and cap an excellent individual display with his 19th goal of the season in all competitions.
United, who visit Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, have 73 points with four games to play. Chelsea, who host West Ham United later on Saturday, are second on 64, with Arsenal, away to Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, also on 64.
Manchester City, who visit Blackburn Rovers on Monday night, are fourth on 56 with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on 54 ahead of their home game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.