Reds run riot and Utd win as Gunners held to a draw
England striker Daniel Sturridge scored twice in as many minutes – including a stunning lob – as Liverpool thrashed Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby.
The city rivals are both pushing for Champions League football and, on the evidence at Anfield, it is Brendan Rodgers’ side who have a clear edge.
Home skipper Steven Gerrard opened the scoring by heading home a 21st-minute corner before Sturridge sprung the offside trap twice in as many minutes - coolly converting Philippe Coutinho’s through ball and then producing an instinctive finish over the advancing Tim Howard.
The England striker blazed a penalty over to deny himself a hat-trick but partner Luis Suarez did finish the scoring on 50 minutes.
League leaders Arsenal remain on top but were held to a 2-2 draw at Southampton, opening the door for Manchester City to overtake them on Wednesday night if they can win at Tottenham.
Saints went ahead after 21 minutes when Jose Fonte headed home Luke Shaw’s cross, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny partly at fault, and carried the lead to half-time.
Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla flipped the game on its head in the space of five minutes after the break but Adam Lallana ensured the visitors’ lead last only two minutes.
Mathieu Flamini’s red card made the last 10 minutes nervy or the Gunners but there were no further goals.
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Manchester United handed a debut to £37.1million to record signing Juan Mata at home to Cardiff, but it was the returning Robin van Persie who grabbed the headlines.
The fit-again Dutchman made his first league appearance since December 7 and needed only six minutes to open the scoring.
Ashley Young made the result safe with a wonderful strike just before the hour mark, with Mata lasting 85 minutes before making way for Adnan Januzaj.
Fulham remain in a perilous position after losing 2-0 at Swansea, who returned to the top half of the table.
The game was goalless for an hour but Jonjo Shelvey and Chico Flores found the target to leave the Cottagers in danger of slipping into the bottom three after Wednesday’s fixtures.
Tony Pulis’ resurgent Crystal Palace side banked another win, completing the double over Hull with a 1-0 success at Selhurst Park.
Jason Puncheon won it in the 16th minute and the Tigers could not draw level, despite £14million strike duo Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long playing together for the first time.
Steve Bruce’s side are now four games without a point or a goal and ended the game with Tom Huddlestone in goal following Allan McGregor’s late dismissal.
Newcastle and Norwich both hit the woodwork during a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road, with Bradley Johnson and Loic Remy both seeing red following an 80th-minute incident.
