English Premiership: The club-by-club verdict

At the top of their game are Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Not so lucky are Derby County, Birmingham and Reading. We present the English Premiership report cards for the four that return to the Champions League … and the ones that got the chop.

Top English trio start New Year in triumph

It was a case of as you were at the head of the English Premier League as the top three sides all enjoyed a winning start to 2008. Leaders Arsenal remained two points in front with a 2-0 New Year's Day victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Elsewhere on Tuesday, Manchester United stayed hot on Arsenal's heels after a 1-0 success at home to Birmingham City.

Gunners go top as Hammers stun United

Arsenal reclaimed first place in the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's side routed Everton 4-1 to take advantage of Manchester United's surprise 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday. The Gunners moved two points clear of United thanks to Eduardo's double strike and late goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky.

Giggs leads United pursuit of Arsenal

Ryan Giggs's 100th league goal saw Manchester United on the way to a 4-1 win against bottom-of-the-table Derby County to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday. Victory at Old Trafford, where Carlos Tevez scored either side of halftime, left second-placed United a point behind the Gunners

Adebayor sends Arsenal five points clear

Emmanuel Adebayor sent Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's side won 2-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday. Adebayor headed the winner to extend Arsenal's lead over second placed Chelsea after Mathieu Flamini had cancelled out Craig Gardner's opener at Villa Park.

IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER

Sponsored links

	Business travel experts		Flowers & gifts
	Domestic & Regional Airline		Bulk SMS gateway