Today's Premier League Scores
Manchester United and Chelsea win but Liverpool Suffer First Defeat
Today's Premier League results brought the expected home victories for Manchester United and Chelsea but Liverpool lost their first League game of the season at Reading.
Today's Premier League scores saw the top teams consolidate their position at the expense of those in the lower regions of the table. Only Liverpool suffered a set-back in their league title aspirations.
Manchester United 4 Derby County 1 (H.T. 2-0)
Goals from Ryan Giggs, his 100th league goal, two from Carlos Tevez and a late penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Manchester United's home victory over bottom club, Derby County. Steve Howard scored Derby's solitary goal. New Derby manager, Paul Jewell, suffered his second successive defeat since taking charge while United remain second in the league a point behind Arsenal who have one game in hand.
Chelsea 2 Sunderland 0 (H.T. 1-0)
Two goals, one in each half gave Chelsea a comfortable win over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge and maintained their unbeaten home run. Andriy Shevchenko gave Chelsea the lead and victory was confirmed with a Frank Lampard penalty. Chelsea are third in the league while Roy Keane's side hover outside the relegation zone.
Reading 3 Liverpool 1 (H.T. 1-1)
Reading continued their impressive home form, their fifth success, when inflicting Liverpool's first league defeat of the season. An early penalty from Stephen Hunt put Reading ahead before Steven Gerard equalised. However, two second half goals from Kevin Doyle and James Harper gave Steve Coppell's side victory and renewed the pressure on Rafa Benitez ahead of Liverpool's crucial Champions League game. Liverpool remain in fourth position, seven points behind Arsenal.
Everton 3 Fulham 0 (H.T. 0-0)
A hat-trick from Yakubu ensured Everton maintained their challenge near the top of the league as they defeated Fulham at Goodison Park. His three second half goals were scored inside half an hour. Another disappointing result for Fulham manager Laurie Sanchez who finds hinseldf under pressure as his team struggle near the foot of the table.
Aston Villa 1 Portsmouth 3 (H.T. 0-2)
Aston Villa's recent impressive form took a down turn as they recorded their second successive home defeat, following their loss to Arsenal last weekend. An early own goal by Craig Gardner set the visitors on their way and two further goals from Sully Muntari, either side of the interval, gave them the points. Gareth Barry's penalty was of little consolation to Villa.
Newcastle United 2 Birmingham City 1 (H.T. 1-1)
A late goal from Habib Beye eased the pressure on manager Sam Allardyce as he saw his side come from a goal down to take the points. Birmingham continued their improved under new manager Alex McLeish as they took an early lead through Cameron Jerome. Obafemi Martins equalised with a penalty before half-time and the home side took the points with the last minute winner.
