LONDON — Manchester United surged into second place in the Premier League with a 3-0 demolition of Newcastle, while Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers suffered another Anfield nightmare as his struggling side were held to a 0-0 draw by Stoke Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson's team closed the gap on leader Chelsea to four points thanks to first half goals from Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra before Tom Cleverley struck with a superb strike after the break. United, which is above third placed Manchester City on goal difference, has lost twice this season and, with Chelsea winning Saturday, it could ill-afford another set-back at St. James' Park, where it was beaten 3-0 last season. Newcastle never had a chance of emulating that result as United, playing some of its best football of the season, raced into a two-goal lead within 15 minutes. Evans struck first with a powerful header from Wayne Rooney's corner in the eighth minute and French left-back Evra nodded home from another Rooney corner seven minutes later. Newcastle was denied a goal when Demba Ba's effort was kept out by United goalkeeper David de Gea despite claims it crossed the line. And United midfielder Cleverley ended any hopes of a Newcastle comeback when he curled a brilliant shot into the top corner in the 71st minute. Meanwhile, Rodgers has yet to oversee a Premier League home win in four attempts since taking charge of Liverpool in the close-season and the Reds' barren run in front of their own supporters has now stretched to six matches in all competitions. The host hit the woodwork three times, but Liverpool was unable to break down Stoke's stubborn defense and Rodgers' side remains in 14th place after just one win in its first seven league matches. Liverpool, whose only home success under Rodgers came in the Europa League against Gomel of Belarus, is already eight points off the top four and more worryingly for its manager, it lies only three points above the relegation zone. At White Hart Lane, Tottenham secured its third successive league win, goals from Steven Caulker and Aaron Lennon giving the host a 2-0 success against struggling Aston Villa. Southampton defender Jose Fonte headed a late equalizer to salvage a 2-2 draw against Fulham in a dramatic finish at St. Mary's. Fonte's goal lifted Southampton out of the relegation zone at Reading's expense, while Fulham remains in ninth place. On Saturday, Theo Walcott inspire Arsenal to 3-1 win at West Ham. — Agencies
