Liverpool confirmed their place at the top of the E Premier table with an emphatic 5-1 win over Newcastle.

Captain Gerrard scored twice for Liverpool, playing away from home, and three others scored for the men in red as well with form striker Keane rested.

The loss ensured Newcastle had a Christmas to forget, amid their unpopular owner’s announcement that the club would no longer be for sale.

Liverpool on the other hand are riding on a wave of good form, having stretched their unbeaten run in the league to nine matches.

Chelsea failed to keep pace with Liverpool as they were held 2-2 at Fulham.

Lampard scored twice for Chelsea after an early goal by Fulham, but they were unable to hold on as a late goal gave both London teams a share of the points.

At the other end of the table, bottom side West Bromwich scored twice late on to claim a 2-0 win over Tottenham, who had a man sent off early in the second half.

West Bromwich are now level on points with Blackburn, who were denied victory over Manchester City when Robinho scored in injury time to clinch a 2-2 draw.