Manchester United stormed to the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 demolition of struggling Portsmouth at Old Trafford yesterday.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side moved one point clear of previous leaders Chelsea thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov and two Portsmouth own goals.
Although United have seized pole position, Chelsea can regain first place with a win against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge today.
The floodgates opened in the 40th minute when Darren Fletcher crossed into the six yard box and Rooney pounced to direct a header past David James.
Rooney's 23rd goal in all competitions equalled his best total for a single season and United put the result beyond doubt five minutes later when Vanden Borre deflected Nani's cross past James.
Another own goal increased United's lead in the 59th minute as Richard Hughes turned Michael Carrick's shot into his own net.
Berbatov added a fourth in the 62nd minute and Pompey defender Marc Wilson scored his side's third own goal seven minutes later.
"We had a lot of pressure and possession of the ball but we were patient enough. That's important when teams come and sit in the way they did here," Ferguson said.
"We were a bit fortunate with the second goal but nonetheless you have to take them. That opened the game for us in the second half and the goal from Berbatov was brilliant."
Dirk Kuyt boosted 10-man Liverpool's bid to land a Champions League place as his header clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Rafa Benitez's side had Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos sent off in the first half for a two-footed lunge on Marouane Fellaini, but Kuyt nodded in the winner from Steven Gerrard's corner in the 55th minute to lift Liverpool into fourth place.
The Toffees also finished with 10 men as South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar was dismissed for two bookings after barging into Gerrard in stoppage time.
"It's always important to win a derby, but to win a derby with 10 players at Anfield is even more important," said Benitez, whose side are unbeaten in seven league games.
Tottenham dropped down to fifth after being held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.
At the other end of the table, Hull climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-1 win against Manchester City at the KC Stadium.
The visitors fell behind in the 31st minute when American striker Jozy Altidore slotted home his first league goal for the Tigers.
It got even worse for Roberto Mancini's team in the 54th minute when George Boateng smashed a ferocious strike past Shay Given after City failed to clear a corner.
Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor reduced the deficit in the 59th minute.
Burnley also moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 win over West Ham which gave Brian Laws his first victory as Clarets' manager.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis celebrated his 300th game in charge of the club in style as City routed Blackburn 3-0 at the Britannia Stadium.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was forced to settle for a point against his former club as Wigan earned a 1-1 draw the Stadium of Light.
Bolton shared a goalless draw with Fulham at the Reebok Stadium.
Next Fixtures
Tuesday: Premier League - 20.45 Man. City vs Bolton; Portsmouth vs Sunderland; Wigan vs Stoke. 21.00 Fulham vs Burnley.
Wednesday: Premier League - 20.45 Arsenal vs Liverpool; Aston Villa vs Man. United; West Ham vs Birmingham; Wolves vs Tottenham. 21.00 Blackburn vs Hull; Everton vs Chelsea.
Saturday: FA Cup fifth round - 13.00 Chelsea vs Cardiff. 13.30 Southampton vs Portsmouth. 16.00 Derby vs Birmingham; Reading vs West Brom. 18.15 Man. City vs Stoke City.
Sunday: FA Cup fifth round - 14.30 Bolton vs Tottenham. 16.00 Fulham vs Notts County. 16.45 C. Palace vs Aston Villa.