Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho scored the only goal in the sixth minute as Avram Grant's side moved back above Arsenal into second place.

Chelsea missed a host of opportunities to increase their lead but Middlesbrough fought hard for an equaliser and Brazilian striker Afonso Alves hit the post and the crossbar in the second half, with David Wheater also heading against the bar.

Michael Owen was on the scoresheet again as Newcastle took a huge stride towards Premier League safety with a 4-1 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Kevin Keegan's men fell behind to Darren Bent's opener but goals from Nicky Butt and Geremi put the visitors ahead before Owen scored his third in as many games for his club.

Obafemi Martins added a fourth with eight minutes remaining, latching onto Joey Barton's pass and finishing calmly.

Liverpool took a significant step towards securing fourth place in the Premier League with a tense 1-0 victory over Everton in the 207th Merseyside derby.

Fernando Torres scored his 21st league goal of the season in the seventh minute and Steven Gerrard hit a post as the hosts should have had the match wrapped up by half-time.

They became increasingly edgy as the match progressed but hung on to move five points clear of their nearest rivals with six matches of the campaign remaining.