A predictable draw at Anfield dented the Champions League hopes of United's arch- and local rivals in Saturday's early fixture.

Liverpool and Manchester City both led in a poor match before it ended 2-2 - the same scoreline achieved by Rafa Benitez's men in their last home outing, against Birmingham. Again the Merseysiders were staring a sixth league defeat in the face, but only for 74 seconds between Stephen Ireland putting City 2-1 up and Yossi Benayoun levelling matters. Earlier Martin Skrtel's opener had been cancelled out by Emmanuel Adebayor. This was City's sixth consecutive league draw.

Chelsea maintained their ominous home form by thrashing Wolves at Stamford Bridge. Carlo Ancelotti's side were 3-0 up after 22 minutes courtesy of Florent Malouda's early strike and Michael Essien's double. Joe Cole made it 4-0, nine minutes after the break.