Premiership round-up: Steven Gerrard's first Premiership goal of the season helped Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield.

The England midfielder, playing in his preferred central midfield role, burst forward onto Dirk Kuyt's lay-off and drilled home a right-foot shot from the edge of the box in the 67th minute to maintain the Reds' unbeaten home league record.

For Manchester City it was a sixth away defeat from seven Premiership outings this season.

Aston Villa, fifth at the start of the day, are also yet to suffer defeat in the league this season at home but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough, who are still to win away from the Riverside under Gareth Southgate.

Villa should have been in front when Gary Cahill missed an open goal from close range, and there was a flurry of activity just before half-time.

Malcolm Christie punished Cahill's miss in the 43rd minute as he fired in on the turn for his first competitive goal since February 2005. Juan Pablo Angel had a goal disallowed before Villa were awarded a penalty when Stiliyan Petrov went down under challenge from Mark Schwarzer — Gareth Barry drilled in the spot-kick in first-half stoppage time.

West Ham marked their first game under new ownership with a 1-0 win against Sheffield United at Upton Park.

Eggert Magnusson's takeover of the club was completed earlier in the week and after being given a good east end welcome, he cheered as Hayden Mullins headed in after 35 minutes from Matthew Etherington's right-wing corner.

Sheffield United had a late goal disallowed for a foul on Robert Green.

Reading's first season in the top flight goes from strength to strength, as they beat 10-man Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

Ian Pearce was sent off after he tripped Royals striker Kevin Doyle in the box, and the Irishman dusted himself down to slot in the penalty in the 17th minute for his fourth goal in five games for club and country.