Liverpool's Fernando Torres (left) scores his goal past Middlesbrough's captain George Boateng during their Premier League match at Riverside Stadium, yesterday. The game ended 1-1.
- AP LONDON (AP):
MANCHESTER UNITED trounced Newcastle 6-0 yesterday to go top of the Premier League after Arsenal failed to win at home for just the second time this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half hat-trick at Old Trafford to lead United to a win that takes them above Arsenal, who could only draw 1-1 with Birmingham.
Emmanuel Adebayor put Arsenal ahead with a penalty kick in the 21st minute, but Garry O'Connor equalised early in the second half with a deflected header.
Chelsea are just four points behind Arsenal after extending their unbeaten streak at Stamford Bridge against Tottenham to 20 games with a 2-0 win, while Liverpool lost more ground on the leading teams with a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough that will increase the pressure on manager Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle are without a full-time manager following the midweek departure of Sam Allardyce, but almost took the lead at Old Trafford. Striker Michael Owen was only denied a shooting chance when he was ruled offside.
Ronaldo put United ahead in the 49th, waiting for the defensive wall to jump before putting his free kick under it and into the net. Six minutes later, Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given hit a clearance against teammate Claudio Cacapa and the ball rebounded to Ryan Giggs, who set up Carlos Tevez for an easy finish.
With England coach Fabio Capello watching, Wayne Rooney headed wide before Ronaldo made it 3-0 in the 70th. United completed the rout with three goals in the last five minutes.
Rio Ferdinand scored before Ronaldo hit his third goal to make it 22 for the season, and Tevez rounded off the scoring with a volley that hit the bar and bounced down near the line.
United now have 51 points and lead Arsenal on goal difference.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty kick when Stephen Kelly tackled Eduardo da Silva from behind in the area, even though the defender seemed to have got a touch on the ball.
