Flying Dutchman downs Wigan

Exciting come-from-behind victories for Arsenal and Liverpool may thrill the fans but the pedigree performances from the thoroughbreds of Chelsea and Manchester United were the significant results in the Premier League yesterday.

The Chelsea juggernaut stepped up another gear with a 5-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough to keep Phil Scolari's men top of the table on goal difference from Liverpool, who trailed Wigan 2-1 at Anfield with 10 minutes remaining before goals from Albert Riera and a spectacular effort from Dirk Kuyt, his second of the game, earned the Reds victory. Liverpool had been trailing to two goals from Amr Zaki, the second of which was a spellbinding scissors-kick. Liverpool may have the mettle to last the title race this season, while the Latics were left to curse a controversial decision to send off Antonio Valencia.

Chelsea were in imperious form at the Riverside, with goals from Salomon Kalou (2), Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and a superb Juliano Belletti strike. Scolari said: "Congratulations to the players because they have won one important game."

Theo Walcott's appearance as a half-time substitute transformed the game as Arsenal came from behind to inflict Everton's first away defeat, 3-1, Walcott scoring the third goal. After the game Everton's manager, David Moyes, said he had no knowledge of a proposed £200 million takeover by the Dubai company Zabeel, who had previously been preparing to buy Charlton. "[Everton chairman] Bill Kenwright has said that [a takeover] is the way forward for the club and I believe he'll get the right people in," Moyes added.

Manchester United are now fourth (the big four occupy the top four places already) after a 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at old Trafford. Wayne Rooney was on target again as all the goals came in the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov and Nani also on the scoresheet.

The other three top-flight games ended goalless. Aston Villa were held at home by Portsmouth, who had Sean Davis sent off. The game was overshadowed by a incident in which a 50p coin was thrown from the Villa end, aimed at Pompey's manager, Harry Redknapp. But instead it hit and cut Phil Sharp, the assistant referee, who needed medical attention.