England round-up: United continue Premiership ascent

Manchester United FC moved level on points with Arsenal FC at the top of the English Premiership with their fourth consecutive league win as Chelsea FC were frustrated in their attempt to go top.

Early goals
Two early goals in two minutes from Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Juan Sebastián Verón, with a spectacular 25-metre free kick, put United firmly in control against West Ham United FC, before defender Sebastien Schemmel's 61st-minute own goal sealed a 3-0 win.

Up to second
Victory lifted United to second in the table, level with champions Arsenal who take on Tottenham Hotspur FC in Sunday's north London derby. United's title bid is back on course after consecutive wins over Liverpool FC and Arsenal, and Sir Alex Ferguson's side dominated throughout against a side who stay rooted to the bottom of the table

Chelsea held
Chelsea could have moved a point clear at the top with a win at Middlesbrough FC, but they fell behind to Geremi's 32nd-minute goal. Although John Terry equalised for Chelsea just before half-time, neither side could find a winner and the game finished 1-1. As a consequence, Chelsea drop to third. 

Everton fight back
Everton FC moved above neighbours Liverpool thanks to a 2-1 home defeat of Blackburn Rovers FC. After suffering two successive losses, Everton fell behind to an Andy Cole goal after six minutes, but Lee Carsley equalised six minutes later. Teenage sensation Wayne Rooney gave Everton the lead midway through the first half, and they held on for three points, with the visitors seeing Lucas Neill dismissed for a second booking.

Lively game
UEFA Champions League contenders Newcastle United FC were held 1-1 at Southampton FC. The away side went in front seven minutes after half-time through an excellent Craig Bellamy goal, but Chris Marsden equalised a minute later. Despite both sides creating further chances, a pulsating encounter finished 1-1.

City comeback
Charlton Athletic FC established a two-goal lead at home to Manchester City FC after Jason Euell, from the penalty spot, and Claus Jensen struck before Marc-Vivien Foé pulled a goal back for the visitors. Late pressure paid off for City as Cameroonian Foé equalised three minutes from time.

Late winner
There was also late drama at Villa Park where an added-time goal from Thomas Hitzlsperger gave ten-man Aston Villa FC a 2-1 win against struggling West Bromwich Albion FC in a Birmingham derby. England striker Darius Vassell gave Villa the lead, but Jason Koumas equalised for the visitors, whose hopes were raised when Villa's Steve Staunton was sent off with 20 minutes still to play.