Rampant Arsenal took out their title frustrations on Middlesbrough by hammering the Teessiders 7-0 at Highbury. Captain Thierry Henry bagged a hat-trick while Philippe Senderos, Robert Pires, Gilberto and Alexander Hleb all got themselves on the scoresheet as the Gunners made light work of Steve McLaren's side.
The result was never in doubt as the Gunners waltzed to a 4-0 half-time lead. Boro held out for 20 minutes but an exquisite move saw Arsenal go ahead. Freddie Ljungberg found Henry with a cross which allowed the France international to volley home impressively.
Senderos then powered in a header from Jose Antonio Reyes's corner before Henry made it 3-0 on the half-hour to leave Boro in disarray.
In first half stoppage time, Pires got in on the act and exposed hapless Boro again with a sublime solo effort.
More calamitous defending saw Arsenal extend their lead before the hour mark when Gilberto headed Henry's free-kick goalwards and Brad Jones could only fumble it in.
The Arsenal exhibition continued when Henry made it 6-0 to complete his hat-trick. Minutes later Doriva was sent off for a second caution to compound a miserable afternoon and Hleb completed the rout with a seventh.
Manchester City stunned rivals United with a 3-1 derby win at Eastlands. Trevor Sinclair and Darius Vassell gave Stuart Pearce's side a 2-0 lead and Robbie Fowler's injury-time strike made sure of the points after United - who had Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for a wild lunge - had pulled it back to 2-1 through Ruud van Nistelrooy.
A stunning Harry Kewell volley handed Liverpool victory in their highly-anticipated showdown with Tottenham at Anfield.
The Reds eked out a 1-0 win against 10-man Spurs following a first half bereft of real chances.
After the break, it was in-form Liverpool who took the lead - and in spectacular fashion. Kewell was in space at the far post and he met Steve Finnan's cross to send a crashing volley past Paul Robinson.
Paul Stalteri was sent off towards the end for a professional foul after he brought Kewell down.
Newcastle's woes continued with a 1-0 defeat at Fulham.
With Alan Shearer looking to break Jackie Milburn's club goalscoring record, chances were rare but after the break, Chris Coleman's side stole the points with a sweeping move on the break.
Substitute Brian McBride fed Collins John and, when Shay Given saved his shot, Steed Malbranque was on hand to score after 75 minutes.
West Ham came from behind to win 2-1 at Aston Villa. Villa took a first-half lead when Lee Hendrie glanced home an excellent cross from Jlloyd Samuel.
But Bobby Zamora brought his side level after 51 minutes by heading in unmarked from Paul Konchesky's free-kick on the left, before Marlon Harewood completed the turnaround nine minutes later with a well-taken penalty after Mark Delaney handled in the area.
Former Birmingham midfielder Bryan Hughes proved the hero as Charlton beat Steve Bruce's side 2-0 at The Valley.
Hughes headed Dennis Rommedahl's corner home in the first half to give his side the lead against the run of play. And, with the away team chasing an equaliser, Darren Bent held off Mario Melchiot's challenge to seal the win in added time.
Leon Osman pounced to give Everton a narrow 1-0 win against revitalised Portsmouth. Pompey failed to clear their lines after Joseph Yobo's free-kick, and Osman nipped in to stab past Jamie Ashdown 14 minutes from the break.
