Liverpool went top of the English premier league today as two goals apiece from England strikers Michael Owen and Emile Heskey helped them destroy Ipswich Town 6-0 at Portman Road.
They lead the table on goal difference from Newcastle United, who beat Southampton 3-1 with two goals from Alan Shearer and a Lauren Robert strike at St James' Park.
Both sides have 52 points, one ahead of Manchester United, who play Charlton Athletic on Sunday. Arsenal, fourth on 48, play Everton on Sunday.
Debutant Abel Xavier and in-form Heskey hit first-half goals for Liverpool against an Ipswich side who had won seven of their previous eight league games.
Sami Hyppia headed a third after the break before Owen struck twice and Heskey hit another to seal a comprehensive victory.
Chelsea stayed fifth after drawing 1-1 at Aston Villa and Leeds United's poor form continued as they drew 2-2 at Middlesbrough after Dean Windass headed a late equaliser for Steve McLaren's side.
Sixth-placed Leeds have managed just two points from their last five games.
Bolton Wanderers moved out of the bottom three by defeating West Ham 1-0 at home through a Ricardo Gardner strike, the victory pushing Blackburn Rovers into the drop-zone following their 2-0 defeat at Fulham. -Reuters