ENGLISH soccer champions Manchester United outclassed Swindon yesterday as their stylish forward line routed the bottom side 4-2 to keep them top of the Premier League.
But United's classy team display was outshone by the solo performance of Efan Ekoku, who scored four of Norwich's goals in a crushing 5-1 win at high-riding Everton.
Arsenal stay second, close on United's heels, following a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Southampton thanks to a goal on the stroke of half-time by Paul Merson.
Striker Alan Shearer announced his readiness to return to the England side with a late equaliser for Blackburn, who drew 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday, in his first full game after a long injury.
Aston Villa also lost ground on the pacemakers, held 1-1 at lowly Oldham, while Liverpool's agonising run of defeats was stretched to four when they went down to a single goal at Chelsea.
Leeds United, who went 24 games without an away win until earlier this month, won on the road again, 2-0 at Coventry, with Rod Wallace scoring both goals to end the Premier League's only remaining unbeaten record.
Andy Cole also scored twice to continue his run of superb form as Newcastle United sank fellow Premier League newcomers West Ham 2-0. Cole, who scored a hat-trick in the League Cup in midweek, took his season's tally to 10.