Rafa Benitez's side outclassed their newly-promoted opponents, Xabi Alonso opening the scoring with a 45-yard free-kick that sailed straight into the net before Ryan Babel's turn gave him space for a superb second. Fernando Torres wrapped it up on 54 minutes but there was still time for the visitors to be humiliated as Alonso, Andrei Voronin and Torres completed a result that gives credence to pre-season predictions that Liverpool would be title contenders and Derby relegation candidates.

At Craven Cottage the pressure increased further on Martin Jol. His Spurs side were also predicted by many to have a breakthrough season but a point at Fulham only added to their woes. Gareth Bale had put the visitors 3-1 on the hour mark and even though Alexi Smertin pulled one back it looked to be too late for Lawrie Sanchez's side.

But Diomansy Kamara scored a dramatic late overhead kick to snatch an unlikely point and punish Tottenham.

Michael Owen got the only goal of the game three minutes from time to earn Newcastle three points against a Wigan side hampered by Kevin Kilbane's sending off.

There was bad new too for his Irish teammate Kevin Doyle who missed a penalty at home to West Ham. However it made little difference as his Reading side were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by West Ham . . . Craig Bellamy instrumental throughout.

Elsewhere, Everton continued their promising start to the season, picking up a 2-1 away win at Bolton. Joleon Lescott's last-gasp header was enough to seal the win and heap more misery on Sammy Lee's side, after record-buy Yakubu marked his debut with a goal. The �11.25m striker turned in Andrew Johnson's pass after 11 minutes.