Manchester United moved a mammoth 12 points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit with a comfortable 2-0 win against Everton.
First-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie extended United's advantage over City following the Citizen's dismal 3-1 loss at Southampton on Saturday.
Giggs' opener continued his record of having scored in every league campaign he has played in since his debut for United in March 1991, which also came at Old Trafford with Everton the visitors.
Giggs has scored in 23 consecutive league seasons
Van Persie ended a mini-drought of three goalless games to double the lead after Everton had enjoyed an encouraging 20-minute spell, but Sir Alex Ferguson reserved special praise for his winger of a player he has known for a quarter of a century.
"I think the superlatives have all been used up," said the United boss.
"I don't think he needs any himself. His legacy lives on he is just a fantastic human being. Again at 38, or is he 39, maybe even 40 he is up and down that pitch all day.
"He has fantastic energy for the game. It is wonderful to see."