England round-up: Beckham leads United to victory

David Beckham scored as Manchester United FC won 4-1 on Saturday, but Arsenal FC lost ground on the leaders.

Trademark free-kick
The England captain found the net with a trademark long-range free-kick to give United a 2-1 lead as the English champions rampaged to victory at Old Trafford. Phil Neville had put United in front after just six minutes before Kevin Phillips drilled home a long-range effort for Sunderland three minutes later.

Van Nistelrooij scores two
However, once Beckham had restored United's lead, there was no way back for the visitors with Ruud van Nistlerooij scoring two more goals towards the end of the first half - the second from the penalty spot - as Sir Alex Ferguson's side confirmed their championship credentials.

Late goal floors Arsenal
Arsenal lost ground on the leaders after being held to a 1-1 draw at home against Southampton FC. Sylvain Wiltord pounced on a rebound from a Dennis Bergkamp strike to give the north London side a 40th-minute lead, but Jo Tessem scored a surprise equaliser for Southampton ten minutes from time.

Shearer leads Newcastle
Former England captain Alan Shearer scored twice as Newcastle United FC earned a battling 3-2 victory against Bolton Wanderers FC, while Chelsea FC won at Leicester City FC by the same score with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scoring in the last minute to earn the visitors all three points.

West Ham triumph
Ipswich's superb run of form continued as they won 2-1 away at Everton FC - their seventh win in eight league games - while West Ham United FC celebrated Vladimír Labant's home debut at Upton Park with a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers FC. Trevor Sinclair and Frédéric Kanouté scored a goal in each half for West Ham.

Joy for Gregory
Struggling Derby County FC enjoyed a successful start to John Gregory's tenure as manager as they won 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur FC, while Gregory's old club Aston Villa FC earned a point in a 0-0 draw at Fulham FC.