By Paul Doyle
Manchester United sent shudders throughout the Premiership this afternoon as they stomped Southampton 6-1 at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy grabbed a hat-trick and Roy Keane also got on the score sheet as the reigning champions sent a warning to all the challengers who had written them out of this season’s title chase.
Newcastle, however, staked their claim for the championship by pulling three points clear at the top with an outstanding 4-3 win away to Leeds. A last-minute goal from Nolberto Solano completed an amazing comeback after goals from Lee Bowyer, Ian Harte, Mark Viduka, had given the home side a 3-1 lead.
Spurs also suffered a shock at home as they became only the second side this season to be beaten by Ipswich. Captain Teddy Sheringham was sent off in their 2-1 defeat.
Blackburn also won away, a second-half strike from Damien Duff helping them to a 2-0 win.
Claudio Reyna scored on his home debut to give Sunderland a 1-0 win over Everton.
At the bottom of the table, Muzzy Izzet shot Leicester into the lead against West Ham, but Paolo Di Canio equalised from the penalty sport after Matt Elliot was sent off for taking own Joe Cole in the box.
Earlier on in the day, Derby beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Pride Park.