This game was Liverpool and Chelsea’s worst nightmare: while they struggled against tough opponents this week, it was a simple win for a Manchester United side who didn’t even play well. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men took three points in second gear last night and, when you look at their remaining fixtures, there are more easy matches to come. Injuries and below-par performances or not, it’s hard to see them being tested to the limit.

The contrast with Tuesday night at Anfield or yesterday at Stamford Bridge was glaring. Liverpool put in a huge effort on a stressful evening just to get a point against Arsenal and Chelsea tried and failed to break down a hard-working Everton side. But United were comfortable against far weaker opponents. Even though they missed lots of chances, making anxiety on the night more than it should have been, United did get an early goal. And the players had the luxury of kicking off in the knowledge that Liverpool failing to win had eased the pressure.

There are two real problems for Liverpool as they try to catch up: their own shortcomings and the limitations of United’s opponents. Liverpool’s squad does not have the quality to get results consistently over a long period. And even if they were to win every match from now until the end of May, it probably still wouldn’t be enough.

United are not going to lose two league games. Maybe one, but not two. Coming up, they face Tottenham Hotspur at home, which should be three points and usually is. Then they are away to Middlesbrough, who are really in trouble. After that in the league, it is the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Of course, Manchester City will be up for it, but their away form is about as poor as it gets. Next, away to Wigan Athletic, who are safely mid-table, then at home to Arsenal before a final-day trip to Hull City, who have hardly won a game since the autumn.

It is a fixture list to strike fear into the heart of United’s title rivals. Perhaps Arsenal could win at Old Trafford, but the title could be done and dusted by the time Arsène Wenger comes to town.

Peter Crouch did very well last night, winning everything in the air for Portsmouth, but he was too isolated up front. The visiting side focused on overloading the midfield and, with attacking an afterthought, failed to provide enough support for the England striker, although they were better in the second half. Ferguson got his team selection right, matching Portsmouth in the middle of the park with players, such as Darren Fletcher, who have good running power.

I feel sorry for Carlos Tévez, who was on the substitutes’ bench again. But, with United top and in the Champions League semi-finals, it is hard to argue with Ferguson’s selections — he gets it right nine times out of ten. United were not great last night and they may not reach top form in the coming weeks — but in all probability they will not have to.