Derby joy for Liverpool, United prevail

Liverpool FC made light work of neighbours Everton FC at rainy Anfield on Tuesday night, with Manchester United FC sparkling against Cardiff City FC in Juan Mata's first game for the club, but it was to be a tough night for league leaders Arsenal FC.

Liverpool's push for a UEFA Champions League place received a significant boost with a 4-0 win at Anfield. A Steven Gerrard header and two tidy Daniel Sturridge finishes made it 3-0 by half-time against Everton, and there was to be no salvation for the Toffees, Luis Suárez latching onto a Phil Jagielka mistake and charging in on goal to make it 4-0 five minutes after the break. Sturridge might have had more to celebrate but he blasted a second-half penalty over.

Mata played well on his United debut, but it was more established Old Trafford names who did the damage against Cardiff, led by former Reds favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The Spaniard had a hand in United's first, Robin van Persie – back from injury – finishing at the second attempt after just six minutes following an Antonio Valencia header that hit the bar, and Ashley Young struck a terrific second from distance just before the hour mark.

Arsenal, meanwhile, had to be happy with a 2-2 draw at Southampton, having been left clinging on following Matthieu Flamini's dismissal with ten minutes to go. The Gunners briefly led early in the second half after goals from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla overturned the Saints' lead, but Adam Lallana struck within two minutes to restore parity.

In the evening's other games, Jonjo Shelvey and Chico scored to give UEFA Europa League contenders Swansea City AFC a 2-0 win against Fulham FC, Jason Puncheon's effort was enough for Crystal Palace FC to see off Hull City AFC, and Norwich City FC held Newcastle United FC to a 0-0 draw, both sides ending the game with ten men.