Manchester United FC have got off to their best start under Sir Alex Ferguson after a 3-1 success against Chelsea FC – their fifth Premier League win in as many matches – took them two points clear at the top of the standings.

The English champions surged into a three-goal lead at Old Trafford as Chris Smalling's header (8), Nani's fierce strike (37) and Wayne Rooney's ninth league goal of the season (45) put the hosts in charge. Though the visitors responded through Fernando Torres (46), who missed two further chances, United held on for a victory that could have been more comprehensive had Rooney not missed a penalty or hit the post.

Sergio Agüero is just one goal behind Rooney on eight league strikes after his double (18, 46) put Manchester City FC 2-0 up at Fulham FC, but the Londoners hit back as Bobby Zamora (55) and Danny Murphy (75) ended the visitors' 100% record.

As in all today's Premier League encounters, there were four goals at White Hart Lane and the Stadium of Light as well, where Tottenham Hotspur FC and Sunderland AFC completed respective 4-0 triumphs against Liverpool FC and Stoke City FC. Spurs were helped by the dismissals of Charlie Adam and Martin Škrtel as Emmanuel Adebayor (68, 90+3) added to efforts from Luka Modrić (7) and Jermain Defoe (66).