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Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table with a Luis Suarez-inspired 3-1 win over Cardiff after an enthralling 90 minutes of action at Anfield.

Two first-half goals from the Uruguayan – who penned a mega money contract extension at the club yesterday – either side of a Raheem Sterling tap in (also set up by Suarez) saw the Reds enter interval with a comfortable lead. The second period was a completely different affair, as Malky Mackay’s men enjoyed the better of the final 45 minutes, pulling a goal back through Jordon Mutch.

Despite the comfortable scoreline for the home side, it was Cardiff who started the game the brighter of the two sides.

Craig Noone tested Simon Mignolet with a fine curling effort, which the Belgian dived to keep out of his net. Mutch then came close with a free header from the ensuing corner, as the visitors looked threatening.

However, Suarez then provided the moment of magic on 23 minutes to break the deadlock. The deadly South American volleyed home superbly from the edge of the area after Jordan Henderson’s looping cross dropped onto his right boot.

From here the Reds surged into control of the game, with both Philippe Coutinho and Jon Flanagan rattling David Marshall’s right-hand post.

Liverpool then doubled their advantage after 41 minutes, with Suarez this time turning provider. The number seven raced clear from the half-way line, before unselfishly feeding Sterling to tap home.

Then with Cardiff looking to get in for half-time just the two goals down Suarez struck again, curling home from outside the area following a neat exchange of passes with Henderson.

After a bright start to the last 45 minutes, Cardiff pulled a goal back through Mutch, who nodded past the home stopper after a Peter Whittingham free-kick.

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The Bluebirds continued to dominate, and despite having a penalty claim turned down looked the more likely side to net the fifth goal of the afternoon, but almost let Suarez secure his hat-trick with an effort that struck the post.

The away side were unable to pull another goal back, as Liverpool held firm to secure a vital three points, which sees them leapfrog Arsenal to take top spot in the Premier League. Meanwhile Cardiff stay 15th, but could drop lower if other results go against them.

Ajax’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League proved to everybody that the iconic Dutch side still have what it takes to compete at the very top level.

True, the Sky Blues have been out of sorts this season, but for a team put together on only a fraction of the budget used by their English opposition it was a remarkable feat.

Nowadays Ajax find it hard to keep hold of their star names, with the financial rewards in many of Europe’s top leagues tempting players to depart Amsterdam. As a result they have carved out a niche as a stepping stone club.

However, if they could have kept hold of their big-hitters they would be a truly fearsome force, able to compete with the biggest and the best teams on the planet.

This XI incorporates the best ex-Ajax players who are still playing professionally, making for a balanced and exciting team-sheet.

Click on Maarten Stekelenburg to unveil the XI

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Of all the unknown quantities in the Premier League this season, from a Luis-Suarez-less-Liverpool to a third-place Southampton, a free-falling Newcastle to a newly-promoted Leicester City, I find Manchester United by far the most intriguing.

An unprecedented £150million summer spending spree – the second most lucrative window of a single club in the history of the sport, only bettered by Real Madrid in 2009 – and the long-awaited arrival of the masterful, enigmatic Louis van Gaal, is juxtaposed by an inexperienced, chaotic defence and a number of disappointing results against lesser opposition, including Leicester City, MK Dons and most recently, West Bromwich Albion.

But does that even matter when you have Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Adnan Januzaj skulking around in the final third, possessing enough quality and firepower to turn even the slightest of chances – a slithered view of the net’s inner lining, half a yard of space outside the box – into a world-class goal? On their day, even against some of the top defences in Europe, the Red Devils’ attacking cast are capable of culminating a cricket score.

That’s the intoxicating danger at the crux of Manchester United this season – it’s hard to tell whether you’re looking at Premier League’s untamed dark horses, or simply it’s dog and pony show.

Well, the litmus test comes in the next few weeks, as United take on Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in their next four Premier League fixtures – starting with the Blues at the weekend.

Van Gaal has already been bold enough to claim his side can still catch  the league leaders, headed by former apprentice Jose Mourinho. And whilst Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Spurs – the Premier League’s resident battlers for places in the top six – continue to struggle for consistency in the early part of the season, the stage is certainly set for United to make themselves a significance in the title race for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Despite a rather flattering public response to the 2-2 draw against the Baggies on Monday night, in quiet, van Gaal will unquestionably be more disappointed. Amid an inaugural utilisation of a 4-2-3-1 system, the Dutchman expected a more structured, methodical, and balanced performance, as a blueprint for the coming run of fixtures that will define United’s season.

But it took just eight minutes for West Brom, via a sensational strike from Stephane Sessegnon, to undo that game-plan and in truth, United’s hero of the evening was substitute Marouane Fellaini.

The Belgium international not only equalised just minutes after coming on at the interval, but also provided the height and physicality United’s engine room had lacked to their own demise throughout the first half. In classic Red Devils style, an 87th minute goal from Daley Blind saved a point and collective blushes.

It certainly doesn’t bode well for the clash against Chelsea on Sunday or the visit to the Etihad; far from the one-dimensional, possession-fearing Blues side we witnessed last season, they’re currently averaging 3.3 goals per game, whilst Manchester City aren’t far behind at 2.3. Comparatively, United concede on average 1.5 goals per match and have only kept clean sheets against QPR and Burnley this season – two of the three lowest scorers in the division.

Yet, the greatest weapon at van Gaal’s disposal remains the element of surprise. The record-breaking signings, the sensational attacking cast, the mixed bag of results, the indefinable power of United’s history, the fact they’re yet to face serious opposition and the notion that at some point, the Red Devils will inevitably click into gear, amalgamates into a feeling of perplexing ambiguity.

After all, what are Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger actually preparing for? The old, rugged, determined, winning United? The new Red Devils, fuelled by Dutch tactical theory and some of the top attacking talents in world football? A dysfunctional United, struggling for balance and organisation? A United ready to pounce, after luring the other title contenders into a false sense of security?

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If van Gaal can use that illusiveness to his advantage, if he can force philosophical and tactical doubts into the minds of his rival managers, United stand a good chance of getting something out of their coming fixtures. The tie against Arsenal bears particular significance – if United clean up against the Gunners, as most title contenders appear to nowadays, they’ll push themselves further towards a mini-league with City and Chelsea.

But that’s an undeniably optimistic perspective, largely dependent on other results and the assumption that United will be able to find a higher gear against more challenging opposition. The Red Devils have more than enough potential to impact this season’s title race, but whether their style lacks the required substance will become evident between now and the end of November.

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The Merseyside derby is one of the Premier League’s most unique fixtures that never fails to disappoint. This afternoon, Everton made the short trip across Stanley Park to Anfield, looking to leapfrog local rivals Liverpool in the table and make a statement of their Champions League intentions.

But the Reds are gunning for Europe too, and came out of the blocks flying. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard put them ahead after 20 minutes, and the rest was simply one-way traffic. An injury to Toffees talisman Romelu Lukaku certainly didn’t help proceedings, and soon after the Belgium international came off, Daniel Sturridge recorded a stunning brace within two minutes, his latter effort being a sensational chip, making it 3-0.

Luis Suarez then stopped any chance of a comeback ten minutes after the interval to get the home side’s fourth of the evening.

It could have been more; Daniel Sturridge missed a penalty just before the hour mark with a horrendous effort that didn’t even work Tim Howard, and the England international also wasted an opportunity to square the ball to Suarez in the box, instead shooting wide.

In yet another thrilling and unpredictable Merseyside clash, it’s Liverpool who go away with all three points and solidify their hold on the Premier League’s fourth spot.

After lots of sustained pressure from the home side in the first 20 minutes, Steven Gerrard finds the net for Liverpool with a header:

A few moments later, Romelu Lukaku is forced off with a nasty injury from a collision with Gareth Barry:

And after 34 minutes, Daniel Sturridge increased the home side’s lead:

The England international made it a brace just seconds later:

After 50 minutes, Luis Suarez made it four for the home side.

Five minutes later, Liverpool won a rather dubious penalty, which Daniel Sturridge failed to convert in typically English fashion:

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Then Suarez and Sturridge had a little tiff about not passing the ball…

Dwight Yorke has branded Manchester United’s decision to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal for £16m over the summer a “disgrace”.

The Red Devils sanctioned the deal just hours before the transfer deadline close during the last window after Louis van Gaal had deemed the England international to be surplus to requirements.

The Dutchman had secured moves for Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria, leaving his attacking options plentiful, which freed the 23-year-old for the switch.

WANT MORE? >> Manchester United transfer news | Arsenal transfer news

Welbeck has since impressed for the Gunners, with his hat-trick against Galatasaray taking his tally in north London to four – more than any player in the United squad this season.

And after watching other England internationals such as Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw command fees of £25m and £27m respectively, Yorke feels that his old side’s decision was a poor one:

“£16m – that’s a disgrace,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “When Lallana and Shaw have gone for £25m and £27m, that’s pathetic.

“That’s why I cannot understand the market. He had to be a loan deal – especially with Falcao not signing permanently.

“You could let Danny Welbeck go on a year’s loan, get some money and have that option. He’s worth more than £16m in today’s market. Shaw and Lallana – they’re worth that much more than Danny Welbeck?

“I don’t think so. Not with his pace and power.”

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Welbeck netted 29 goals in 142 games for United, which is a record Van Gaal suggested was not befitting of a player in a team of such stature.

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Rickie Lambert hopes if he continues to score goals he will get opportunities to play for his country.

At times in Southampton’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United Lambert bullied Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The 30 year old has also scored against the two top Premier League clubs already this season.

The frontman who has served a long apprenticeship in the Football League before grasping the opportunity to play in England’s top division, is refusing to be disheartened by England’s decision not to replace injured striker Andy Carroll.

Last season’s Championship top-scorer discussed his chances with The Daily Mail, “Maybe not right now but hopefully in the future.

“That’s my dream. That’s everyone’s dream. It’s a serious ambition. I just want to improve every single day at this club.”

The target-man in a similar fashion to former strike-partner at Rochdale, Grant Holt has worked his way to this opportunity establishing himself at Macclesfield, Rochdale, Stockport County and Rochdale, before Southampton gave him the launching to play at the top level.

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Lambert added, “I’ve always believed in myself it’s not a different game. You still try and score in the same goals and you still play with a round ball it’s not too much different.”

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Martin O’Neill may allow first team members to represent Sunderland Under 21s in their derby clash at the Sports Direct Arena.

David Vaughan has already represented Kevin Ball’s side in his quest to re-find fitness following a hernia problem, while Connor Wickham and Ji Dong Won may also be made available by the Ulsterman. Both strikers have dropped down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, with the arrivals of Steven Fletcher and Louis Saha, meaning neither have seen first team action, yet.

Vaughan is eligible for the team as one of three overage players while Wickham and Dong Won are still young enough to play. O’Neill told The Sunderland Echo, “I was pleased to see David get 45 minutes under his belt for his country – for the moment he needs as many minutes on the pitch as he can get.

“He’ll come into contention for the reserves games but were continuing to monitor him and make a decision on the day.”

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Sunderland triumphed over their bitter rivals at under 18 level this weekend and would welcome the increase in quality to their under 21 side.

Their apparent challengers might not be ready to admit it just yet, but as widely suspected from the opening weeks of the season, Chelsea are this year’s Premier League champions.

The Blues boast a seven-point lead over second-place Arsenal, with one game in hand, and are now just four wins away from securing the prestigious guard of honour.

So the real question in the final weeks of the season isn’t who’ll take this year’s crown, who’ll make the top four or in what order – it’s who’s ready to challenge Chelsea next year, following a campaign in which they’ve held top spot for its entirety.

With Manchester City set for a few years of soul searching, logic suggests Arsenal and Manchester United will be the predominant competitors – two sides who’ve shown drastic improvements as the season’s dragged on.

Arsenal’s turning point was that 2- 0 victory at the Etihad in January, not only providing their first win against reigning Premier League champions since Chelsea all the way back in 2010, but also representing a seismic shift in Gunners philosophy; the introduction of defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin and a more disciplined approach all round showing the pragmatic shrewdness they’ve shunned in favour of champagne football over the last few years.

Since that result, Arsene Wenger’s side have lost just once in the Premier League – in the north London derby – and improved their league standing from fifth to second. The Coquelin-induced formula has brought more stability to the Gunners, leading to five clean sheets in their last ten outings. Title-winning form, unquestionably.

The prevailing concern, however, is that we’re witnessing yet another false dawn. Arsenal have a habit of ending campaigns in hollywood fashion just in time for season ticket renewals, whipping their fans into a frenzy of title-winning fantasy before bringing them back down to earth with a lackadaisical start to the following season.

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Their biggest challenge will be to start at the same pace as the rest of the pack next year; this term, for example, the Gunners won just four of their first twelve, dropping down to eighth place. The season previous began with that infamous 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa – which almost caused a small riot at the Emirates – and during the 2012/13 campaign they spent just two weeks in the top four until mid-April.

Similarly, Arsene Wenger’s atrocious record against Jose Mourinho, still waiting on his first win from twelve Premier League encounters with the Portuguese, is another obstacle the north Londoners must overcome to get to the English crown. More than simply the six points on offer, the psychological subtext does the Arsenal boss no favours.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s 2014/15 campaign draws parallels with Chelsea’s transition process last season. It’s not always been pretty, glamorous or exciting, but hard graft and efficiency has dragged them through. Likewise, their record against the top teams is fantastic, picking up 13 points from a possible 16 against last term’s top four, including four consecutive victories – Arsenal in November, a double over Liverpool and a 4-2 win against the noisy neighbours last weekend.

Admittedly, a Chelsea scalp heralding a title charge in 2015/16 is missing from that list. But in recent weeks, Louis van Gaal’s master plan has finally begun to materialise amid a run of six consecutive wins, three of which have come against some of their closest divisional rivals – Spurs, Liverpool and City. If this is the end result of an often painful transition process, United look ready to challenge next season.

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That being said, the summer window will have a considerably bigger impact on United than Arsenal or Chelsea. Whilst the former will strengthen sparingly and the latter already have a trusted starting Xi, the Red Devils are expected to spend another £150million and sign some major names – potentially Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. Although, in theory, the new signings should make United stronger, that all depends on how quickly they settle in.

But the coming weeks will give us some vital insight; Chelsea face Manchester United on Saturday and Arsenal the weekend after. Although the Blues can afford to lose both and still boast one game and at least one point over second place, the fixtures are an important barometer of where all three clubs are at right now, and whether Wenger or van Gaal are capable of outfoxing Mourinho – a manager neither have yet beaten in the Premier League.

We may not be left with a definitive answer to who’ll win next year’s crown, but results over the next fortnight will affirm whether either can compete with Chelsea next season.

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Everton scored twice in stoppage time help Everton to a dramatic victory over Tottenham at Goodison Park to snatch fourth place in the Premier League.

The Toffees had stuttered of late, drawing three games on the trot after losing at Reading last month, but returned to winning ways on home turf to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

David Moyes was tipped as the favourite to take over at Spurs in the summer before Andre Villas-Boas stepped in and the Portuguese coach will be left cursing his luck after his side threw away their slender lead so late in the game.

Leon Osman saw a shot blocked early on as the hosts started with a vim and vigour missing from their recent performances and only some last ditch defending and excellent goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris stopped them from taking the lead.

The French shot stopper did well to thwart Nikicia Jelavic in the penalty area before Seamus Coleman flashed an effort wide as the first half somehow ended without either defence being breached.

Steven Naismith came on at the break for Everton and almost broke the deadlock straight away, side footing wide after Leighton Baines’ free kick rebounded off the wall.

Their profligacy in front of goal was eventually punished 15 minutes from time when Clint Dempsey’s long range strike clipped off Sylvain Distin and beat Tim Howard.

Substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson then went close to sealing all three points for the visitors only to see his fierce strike come back off the crossbar and from that the home side dug deep to force the equaliser their performance deserved.

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It was Steven Pienaar, a former Spurs player, who did the damage thundering a header past Lloris in the 90th minute from Seamus Coleman’s cross.

And just over a minute late the turnaround was complete as Jelavic swept home the winner after Apostolos Vellios’ overhead kick fell into his path eight yards out to bring Moyes roaring out of the dugout in celebration.

This summer is set to be a big one for West Ham. Although the season started well in east London – there were even dreams of Champions League qualification over the winter period – a post-Christmas slide leaves the Irons very much in the midtable zone of the Premier League, which, although far from disappointing, is a state of affairs plagued by ‘what ifs?’

Sam Allardyce looks almost certain to go and a new manager with more razzmatazz is on the menu going into the club’s last season at Upton Park ahead of the Olympic Stadium move.

New signings will, however, be needed, and although some foreign imports are in favour among the fans, a look at a few bargains from the relegation zone could be wise.

With that in mind, here are FIVE stars set for the drop that West Ham could gamble on….

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Charlie Austin

By far the standout player in the relegation zone, Austin has been mightily impressive this season. In a poor ‘Super’ Hoops team, the 25-year-old has smashed 17 Premier League goals, which is a tally only bettered by Diego Costa, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero. While the aforementioned trio ply their trade in the upper half, Austin has been making do alongside the likes of Bobby Zamora!

Reports have already suggested that the former Swindon Town man will be on the move in order to stay in the top tier, with a figure of around £10m needed. With only 43 goals, the Hammers have the second worst return in the top half of the table, so Austin could remedy a big issue.

Leroy Fer

Although he’s quickly becoming the ‘new Nigel Quashie’ following back-to-back relegations with two different sides, Fer is certainly not a poor player. In between dropping with Norwich and joining QPR’s cause, the midfielder played for the Netherlands at the World Cup, and even got on the scoresheet in Brazil.

If he can be kept interested and motivated, which have appeared to be issues, the 25-year-old is a very promising player, with his mix of athleticism and technical ability making him a fearsome prospect in the middle of the park. He could potentially replace loanee Alex Song.

Kieran Trippier

Although his 14 assists as Burnley romped to Championship promotion have not been replicated in the top tier, Trippier has still impressed, albeit in a more quiet way. The 24-year-old right-back has been restricted by the Clarets’ slightly more pragmatic approach this season, but he’s still averaged 1.9 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game, which are very much on a par with his Championship exploits.

With Carl Jenkinson likely to return to Arsenal after a fairly impressive loan spell in east London, Trippier could be an ideal replacement, and is unlikely to command a major fee.

Robert Snodgrass

Hull are by far the most likely candidates to join QPR and Burnley in moving down to the Championship. Two points from safety with Spurs and Manchester United to play, it’s hard to see where any points, let alone the win they need. Are coming from.

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Although he’s missed the entirety of the season with a dislocated kneecap, Scotland international Snodgrass is a player who may be worth a gamble, with the wide midfielder having been impressive in the Premier League. Prior to joining the Tigers, the 27-year-old was Norwich’s standout performer as they slipped to relegation, with his dead-ball prowess and crossing ability major traits.

Andrew Robertson

Another Hull player worth consideration is Robertson. With Aaron Cresswell attracting attention, a new left-back may be needed at Upton Park, and the young Scot is certainly a worth successor. Not dissimilar to the Hammers’ current option, the ex-Dundee United defender is likely to move on should the KC Stadium be hosting Championship football.

Pacey and able to swing in a cross, the 21-year-old is, albeit a little underwhelming, a potential good buy from the relegation zone.