Reds stuff Magpies to end on season high

LONDON: Liverpool moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after they thrashed Newcastle United 5-1 away and second-placed Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at neighbors Fulham on Sunday.

Arsenal ended a run of three successive draws to beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium after a late goal from William Gallas to pull level on points with Aston Villa and Manchester United, neither of whom were playing.

Liverpool lead the standings with 45 points from 20 matches, three ahead of Chelsea, followed by United, Villa and Arsenal, all on 35 points, although United have three games in hand on the leaders.