Liverpool down United to end losing streak

Liverpool ended a four-match losing streak with a 2-0 victory over champions Manchester United as several of Premier League leaders Chelsea's nearest pursuers lost ground yesterday in the title race.

United stayed in second place, two points behind the Blues, as Liverpool revived their faltering title bid with a 2-0 win at Anfield thanks to second-half goals from Fernando Torres and substitute David Ngog.

Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap on Chelsea to three points when, having gone 2-0 up against second-bottom West Ham, they saw the home side come back to force a 2-2 draw at Upton Park in a match where the Hammers finished a man down after Scott Parker was sent off.

Manchester City, who could have gone fourth, squandered a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham while, in yesterday's other match, Bolton pulled further clear of the relegation zone with a 3-2 win over Everton at the Reebok Stadium.

At Anfield, Torres, played in by Yossi Benayoun, shot high past United keeper Edwin van der Sar in the 65th minute before, five minutes into added time, Ngog kept his cool to seal Liverpool's victory.

Both teams finished a man down after United defender Nemanja Vidic and Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano were red-carded after collecting two yellow cards apiece.

"The mentality was good, everyone was working together, plus the 'keeper (Jose Reina) to the last fan on the Kop," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told Sky Sports.

"The players answered a lot of questions, that is the most important thing," the Spaniard, who had received a public vote of confidence from Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow before kick-off, added.

Victory ended Liverpool's worst run for 22 years and saw them reduce the gap on Chelsea to six points.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team have now lost their last three league encounters against Liverpool, insisted he had no complaints about the result but suggested a raucous Anfield crowd had got to referee Andre Marriner.

"All in all, Liverpool were the better team," Ferguson said. "They deserved their victory."

However, he added: "Every decision, they (the crowd) put the referee under pressure all the time."

Ferguson promised United would bounce back, saying: "At some points of your season you are going to have disappointments. Last year we lost 4-1 at home to Liverpool, got hold of the bit again and won the league. That's our challenge."

London derby

In the all-London clash at Upton Park, Arsenal went ahead when West Ham and England goalkeeper Robert Green made a mess of Bacary Sagna's cross, allowing Robin van Persie to shoot into the unguarded net.

Van Persie then turned provider, William Gallas heading in from the Dutch international's corner in the 37th minute.

But, with 16 minutes left, Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone could only parry Alessandro Diamanti's free-kick and Carlton Cole's follow-up header gave the Hammers hope.

And, 10 minutes from time, they were level when, after Alex Song made minimal impact with Cole in the box, Diamanti equalised from the penalty spot.

West Ham then saw midfielder Parker expelled before Green saved at point-blank range from Van Persie.

Second-half goals from Joleon Lescott and Martin Petrov put Manchester City in front before impressive finishes from Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey helped visitors Fulham gain a point.

Ivan Klasnic's first Bolton goal sealed victory for the Trotters, who moved up five places into 12th spot.

Bolton went 2-0 ahead through Lee Chung-yong and Gary Cahill before Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini drew Everton level only for Klasnic to deny the Toffees a point.