Premier League review:After grabbing two against Tottenham in the Carling Cup during the week Repuclic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson was given another chance to impress by Alex Ferguson and didn't disappoint the Manchester United manager. The Derryman expertly scored United's second in a four nil demolition of West Ham at Upton Park.
The win kept the pressure on league leaders Chelsea ahead of their game against Manchester City at Eastlands.
The teams were well matched for the majority of the first half until Paul Scholes lashed home his 99th Premier League goal with seconds to go before the whistle.
The Red Devils were much more impressive in the second period, with Gibson producing an even better strike to make it two after 61 minutes, smashing high into the net for his third goal in a week.
Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney then scored the third and fourth within seconds of each other from tap-ins as United poured forward.
Third-placed Arsenalcollected a 2-0 win over Stokeat Emirates Stadium but should have made it easier on themselves after a missed penalty and a bizarre goalline block kept the visitors interested.
Cesc Fabregas first spurned a 20th-minute spot-kick after Andrey Arshavin was felled by Rory Delap.
The Spaniard helped make amends six minutes later, teeing up Arshavin, who ran the ball towards goals before producing a neat finish across goal for the opener.
Fabregas almost had one of his own seconds later but amazingly saw team-mate Emmanuel Eboue block it on the Stoke line. Aaron Ramsey put the game beyond doubt in the 79th minute.
Steven Gerrard was unable to inspire Liverpoolin his 500th match for the club, with a goalless draw at Blackburnnot good enough to turn around their faltering season.
David Ngog missed a glorious chance following fine work from Glen Johnson, hitting the crossbar from four yards with the goal gaping.
Struggling Wolvesheld on for a vital 2-1 win over Boltonat Molineux for a third success of the season.
Veteran Jody Craddock turned home Christophe Berra’s header from six yards for the opener before a sensational hit from Nenad Milijas stretched the lead after 63 minutes.
Johan Elmander got the consolation.
Aston Villaenjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Hull. Richard Dunne powered home expertly to break the deadlock before James Milner caught Matt Duke out of position and John Carew converted a late penalty.
Birminghamcame from a goal behind at the DW Stadium to record a 3-2 victory over Wigan.
Charles N’Zogbia put the Latics ahead before two goals from Sebastian Larsson either side of Christian Benitez’s 66th-minute effort sealed the points.
Jordi Gomez made it 3-2 a minute from time.
In the day's early kick-off, Avram Grant recorded a first win since taking over as Portsmouthboss as his side saw off Burnley2-0 at Fratton Park.
The points came courtesy of second-half goals from Hermann Hreidarsson and Aruna Dindane, after the latter had missed a soft penalty in the first period.
