Gerrard double keeps Liverpool in the frame

Liverpool FC won 3-0 at West Ham United FC to move top of the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Manchester United FC, who play Manchester City FC on Sunday in the first of their two games in hand.

Gerrard double
Steven Gerrard put the Reds ahead after just 76 seconds in east London, rounding goalkeeper Robert Green, before pouncing on the rebound seven minutes before half-time after the West Ham No1 had saved his penalty. Rafael Benítez's side were rarely troubled thereafter and added a third late on when substitute Ryan Babel struck from close range.

Survival chances
West Bromwich Albion FC gave themselves hope of avoiding relegation by defeating Wigan Athletic FC 3-1 and now lie just three points adrift of fourth-bottom Hull City AFC, who lost at home to Stoke City FC. A defeat and results elsewhere could have relegated the Black Country outfit, who took the points thanks, in part, to two strikes from Marc-Antoine Fortuné. The victory lifts West Brom on to 31 points – level with Newcastle United FC and Middlesbrough FC who meet on Monday – with two games left.

Hull defeated
Hull, who will drop into the bottom three if Newcastle win, lost 2-1 following strikes from Ricardo Fuller (41) and Liam Lawrence (73). Sunderland AFC moved five points clear of the bottom three by drawing 0-0 at Bolton Wanderers FC, while Blackburn Rovers FC secured their top-flight status for next season with a 2-0 defeat of visitors Portsmouth FC.

European prospects
Elsewhere, Fulham FC enhanced their claims for UEFA Europa League football next term by defeating Aston Villa FC 3-1 at Craven Cottage, Diomansy Kamara weighing in with two goals. The success moved the capital club up to seventh, above West Ham. FA Cup finalists Everton FC drew 0-0 with Tottenham Hotspur FC while beaten UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC meet in north London in Sunday's other fixture.