Liverpool's stay might only last for 24 hours until overnight leaders Chelsea [ Images ] visit Aston Villa [ Images ] on Sunday.

• Fixtures | Teams and Standing

Two goals from Xabi Alonso [ Images ] and Fernando Torres [ Images ] and one apiece by Ryan Babel [ Images ] and substitute Andriy Voronin helped the Merseysiders crush bottom team Derby.

Everton went second with a 2-1 victory at Bolton Wanderers thanks to a last-minute winner from Joleon Lescott. They trail Liverpool on goal difference.

Liverpool have 10 points, the same as Everton and Chelsea with Manchester City [ Images ], who play at Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, next on nine.

Michael Owen [ Images ] scored in the 87th minute to give Newcastle United a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic, who had Kevin Kilbane sent off.

Fulham [ Images ] stormed back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur [ Images ] at Craven Cottage while Middlesbrough beat Birmingham City [ Images ] 2-0.

West Ham United avenged last season's 6-0 defeat at Reading by winning 3-0 at the Madejski Stadium. The home team also missed a penalty.

Manchester United [ Images ] were playing Sunderland later on Saturday.