Manchester United moved to within a point of a record 19th title after a deserved win against closest rivals Chelsea at an exultant Old Trafford.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted victory would effectively end Chelsea's reign as champions and return the Premier League crown to United, writing a fresh chapter in the club's glittering history.
And United wasted no time in exerting their authority on Chelsea as Javier Hernandez struck after only 36 seconds and captain Nemanja Vidic headed the second in a blistering opening spell that established the foundations for what is likely to prove a decisive victory.
Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a glimmer of hope with a scrappy strike midway through the second half - but it was United who still looked more likely to score, even in the anxious closing stages before Old Trafford erupted in celebration as Howard Webb blew the final whistle.
And as if to emphasise the significance of events, Ferguson was even moved to bow in front of the Stretford End as he marched triumphantly towards the dressing room.
United now only need to avoid defeat in one of their final two games, away at Blackburn Rovers and at home to Blackpool, to complete the formalities and overhaul the record of 18 titles they share with arch-rivals Liverpool.
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