Five-star Liverpool prise open three-point lead

Liverpool FC opened up a three-point gap at the top of the English Premier League after they overwhelmed Newcastle United FC 5-1 at St James' Park and Chelsea FC could only manage a 2-2 draw at Fulham FC.

Gerrard double
Liverpool were impressive in the day's early fixture and could have been two or three in front in the first half an hour, only home goalkeeper Shay Given keeping them at bay. However, even his defiance was finally ended when Steven Gerrard struck after a flowing move. Sami Hyypiä then headed in the Liverpool captain's corner and although David Edgar pulled one back for Newcastle, second-half efforts from Ryan Babel (50), Gerrard (66) and Xabi Alonso (pen, 77) sealed the point in style.

Dempsey denies Blues
Chelsea went behind early on at Craven Cottage, Clint Dempsey flicking in Simon Davies' free-kick. The UEFA Champions League contenders responded strongly after the break with Frank Lampard striking twice to turn the match in the away side's favour. Dempsey was to have the last word, though, heading in a last-minute equaliser after another Davies set-piece.

More Merseyside joy
Everton FC consolidated sixth place after a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland AFC, Mikel Arteta scoring twice (10, 27) and 18-year-old Dan Gosling getting his first goal for the club. They stay three points behind Arsenal FC, for whom William Gallas scored an 81st-minute winner in a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth FC. West Bromwich Albion FC enjoyed their second home success in a row, winning 2-0 against Tottenham Hotspur FC, while there were also victories for West Ham United FC over Stoke City FC and Wigan Athletic FC at Bolton Wanderers FC. In the day's late game, Blackburn Rovers FC looked to have picked up three points after going two up with six minutes remaining against Manchester City FC, but the visitors hit back through Daniel Sturridge and Robinho to earn a draw.