Saha strikes as United go top

Louis Saha scored on his Manchester United FC debut as the champions beat Southampton 3-2 at Old Trafford to go top of the Premiership today.

Tight race
The win takes United to 53 points, one ahead of Arsenal FC, who meet Manchester City FC at home on Sunday. Chelsea, who travel to Blackburn Rovers FC tomorrow, are third on 46. The race for fourth position and a place in UEFA Champions League qualifying also remains tight after Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC drew their matches and Charlton Athletic FC lost.

Derby drama
Charlton are fourth on 37 points after losing 2-1 at home to in-form Bolton Wanderers FC with Liverpool and Newcastle both on 34. Liverpool drew 0-0 at home with Everton FC in an action-packed Merseyside derby characterised by superb goalkeeping at both ends. Newcastle seemed on course for all three points at Birmingham thanks to Gary Speed's excellent 37th-minute shot but a last-minute equaliser by Stern John earned the home side a 1-1 draw.

Thrilling Villa
Fulham are seventh on 34 after a 2-1 home London derby victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC, Brian McBride hitting the winner. Aston Villa FC produced the performance of the day by scoring five second-half goals without reply at Leicester City FC following a scoreless first half. Darius Vassell and Peter Crouch both scored twice and Dion Dublin hit the other for David O'Leary's improving side.

Relegation tussle
Middlesbrough FC were also in fine form as they brushed aside Leeds United AFC 3-0 at Elland Road. Leeds, the bottom club, had goalkeeper Paul Robinson sent off in a sixth straight defeat. Portsmouth FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC drew 0-0 in another relegation tussle at Fratton Park.

Record crowd
The day's action began in front a record Premiership crowd of 67,758 at Old Trafford where Manchester United seemed set for another straightforward win when they led 2-0 after 37 minutes. Saha, who arrived from Fulham for €18.5m eight days ago, scored with a deflected free-kick and Paul Scholes got the second after Saha's shot was blocked.

Van Nistelrooij winner
However, two long-range goals by Kevin Phillips either side of half-time brought the visitors back into the game. Ruud Van Nistelrooij then pounced in a goalmouth scramble after an hour to restore United's lead but they were forced to hang on as Southampton finished with a flourish.