United rampant as Rooney hits three

Rooney hat-trick
Rooney had gone ten games without a goal but he celebrated turning 21 years of age on Tuesday in style with three goals in a spirited 4-0 win by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Rooney's first goal came on ten minutes after Michael Carrick found him in space and the English international finished with a fine left-foot strike. Rooney hit the second with his right foot from the edge of the area six minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo then made it 3-0 with eight minutes to go before Rooney completed a day to remember to stretch their lead over third-placed Bolton to five points.

Chelsea away win
Earlier Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack both helped Chelsea complete a 2-0 win against Sheffield United FC. The midfielders struck either side of half-time to hand Chelsea, who could afford to rest Andriy Shevchenko, all three points from their lunchtime trip. Lampard put Chelsea in front with a deflected free-kick just before the interval and Ballack headed the second from Lampard's cross four minutes after the break but the London side had third-choice keeper Hilário to thank for saving Danny Webber's 17th minute spot-kick.

Arsenal held
Arsenal FC had to come back from behind to avoid suffering their first home defeat of the season against Everton FC. Tim Cahill took advantage of hesitation in the Gunners’ defence to score before Robin van Persie equalised on 71 minutes. Portsmouth FC’s promising season continued as they ran out 3-1 winners against Reading FC to go fourth. Brynjar Gunnarson’s early own goal gave Harry Redknapp’s side a head start before Nwankwo Kanu, seven minutes after the break, and Pedro Mendes (66) gave the home side a three-goal cushion. Kevin Doyle scored a late consolation.

Liverpool success
Liverpool FC returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win against Aston Villa FC. Dirk Kuyt scored just after the half-hour mark before Peter Crouch (38) and Luis García (44) made it 3-0 at half-time. Martin O’Neill’s men responded after the break through Gabriel Agbonlahor but lost their hitherto unbeaten Premiership record. Elsewhere, Henri Camara’s 83rd-minute winner gave Wigan Athletic FC a 1-0 victory against Fulham FC while Watford FC and Newcastle United FC were both held at home against Tottenham Hotspur FC and Charlton Athletic FC.