Spectacular wins for Manchester's finest

Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick as Manchester United FC claimed an emphatic 8-2 triumph against ten-man Arsenal FC at Old Trafford to move ahead of neighbours Manchester City FC at the Premier League summit following an impressive 5-1 success at Tottenham Hotspur FC for Roberto Mancini's men.

United were two goals up inside half an hour thanks to Danny Welbeck (22) and Ashley Young (28) before Wayne Rooney (41) added a third and Theo Walcott gave the visitors a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time. Rooney removed it again with a wonderful free-kick (64) and Sir Alex Ferguson's side added their fifth and sixth in quick succession, via Nani (67) and Park Ji-Sung (70).

Although Robin van Persie (74) found the net for Arsenal, their problems increased when Carl Jenkinson was sent off 13 minutes from time. Rooney then completed his treble from the spot before Young added his second – the first time the Gunners have conceded eight goals in a match since 1896.

In the lunchtime kick-off, Edin Džeko hit four for City as they continued their impressive start to the season in north London. The Bosnia and Herzegovina forward scored twice in the final 11 minutes of the first half before completing his hat-trick on 55 minutes. Sergio Agüero scored City's fourth and, although Younès Kaboul headed a consolation for Spurs, Džeko sealed a comfortable victory with a wonderful late curling effort.

Elsewhere, Leon Best scored twice as Newcastle United FC overcame Fulham FC 2-1, while Stoke City FC triumphed 1-0 at West Bromwich Albion FC thanks to Ryan Shotton's late strike.