Lampard’s chipped pass put the Portuguese clear and he took it on his chest before rifling in from a tight angle via Andy Griffin on the line.

Christopher Samba and Roque Santa Cruz gave Newcastle even more reason to despair by heading Blackburn into a half-time lead at St James’ Park.

The club’s new interim manager Joe Kinnear was present at the game but his arrival was insufficient to jolt the Magpies into action.

Sebastien Bassong cleared off his own line after 22 minutes but after half an hour, Samba stole ahead to nod Carlos Villanueva’s teasing free-kick past Shay Given.

A Santa Cruz header made it two shortly before the interval.

Djibril Cisse grabbed his second goal for Sunderland but could not prevent them going into the break 2-1 down to hosts Aston Villa.

The Frenchman, on loan from Marseille, struck a fine first-time shot from the edge of the area after picking up a fine pass from Steed Malbranque, who spilt the Villa defence down the middle with his pinpoint pass.

Ashley Young restored parity after 17 minutes when curled an inch-perfect free-kick beyond Craig Gordon from the left.

John Carew made it 2-1 after another Young free-kick was charged down, allowing Stiliyan Petrov to square the ball to the Norwegian, who produced a cheeky finish to convert.

Fulham shipped two goals to West Ham in the dying seconds of the opening period, to give Gianfranco Zola’s men a 2-0 lead at Craven Cottage.

Carlton Cole tapped home after 44 minutes before Matthew Etherington made it two. Andy Johnson was then shown red to increase Fulham’s problems.

Manchester United worked hard at Old Trafford as they tried to find a way past a rugged Bolton side, but will have to better in the second period after a goalless 45 minutes.

Fabrice Muamba should even have opened the scoring for Wanderers after 45 minutes but fluffed his chance.

Middlesbrough and West Brom were also goalless at the Riverside, Brazilian striker Afonso Alves coming closer than anyone when powering his 17th-minute shot against the crossbar.