Chelsea's outside chance of lifting the Premier League title took a hammer blow after the Blues were held to a goalless stalemate by Everton at Stamford Bridge.
In a dress rehearsal of next month's FA Cup final, Guus Hiddink's side dominated play but could not break down the resolute Toffees.
David Moyes' side had the best chances, while Alex brought down Leighton Baines in the box but the ref waved play on.
Didier Drogba could then have won it for Chelsea in injury-time but his powerful effort from close range hit the bar and bounced away.
Coupled with Manchester United's victory at Old Trafford, Chelsea are now six points behind the Red Devils, having played a game more.
Chelsea's Petr Cech and Everton's Tim Howard took the plaudits on a night when both sides failed to make the most of their chances.
Cech was the first goalkeeper forced into action when a left-wing cross from Joleon Lescott was glanced into the arms of the Czech Republic international by Jo in the second minute.
Cech came to Chelsea's rescue in the sixth minute when Tim Cahill put Jo through with a neat pass but the Everton striker was unable to beat the home goalkeeper who kept out his shot from close range.
Moments later Chelsea responded with a long-range effort from Michael Ballack smothered by Howard who dived low to his left to ensure the ball did not creep inside the post.
Everton captain Phil Neville was shown the yellow card for a foul on Drogba in the 13th minute.
Three minutes later Frank Lampard, playing his 50th game of the season, sent a 25-yard shot just over Howard's crossbar.
Michael Essien tried to go one better than Lampard in the 19th minute but his effort was well off target.
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