Man Utd beat Middlesbrough to go top; Chelsea hit six

 Carlos Tevez netted twice as United scored four in four consecutive games for the first time in 100 years. The victory lifted them one point ahead of Arsenal, who travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

 Nani gave United the perfect start at Old Trafford after just three minutes with a stunning strike, but former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aladiere equalised with a header three minutes later.

 A mistake from Stewart Downing allowed Wayne Rooney to restore United's lead (33) and Tevez scored two second-half goals to complete the rout.

 United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the strike duo of Tevez and Rooney, who look to be hitting it off after a slow start.

 "Wayne and Carlos are doing fantastically well together," Ferguson said.

 "They will mature and develop as experienced players. When they do that, hopefully we will see the complete partnership."

   Chelsea leapfrogged Liverpool into fourth after they hammered Manchester City 6-0.

 City began the day in third but Chelsea were a cut above, with Didier Drogba scoring twice and Joe Cole, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and Andriy Shevchenko also getting in on the act.

 The margin of victory was the biggest City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has suffered in his entire career and Chelsea coach Avram Grant said he had enjoyed the manner of his side's win.

 "We continue to do the process step by step, maybe today it was two steps," Grant said.

 "I must say the players have a great attitude and they are the main stars here. We just need to continue with what we have begun.

 "We are concentrating on attacking football. How to move right, how to behave right, how to get the best out of the players and make them better. I think it is more important the players ask these things from themselves," Grant added.

 Portsmouth were left disappointed after they could only draw 0-0 with West Ham United, particularly as Benjani had a penalty saved by Robert Green in the dying minutes.

 Reading moved up to mid-table with a fine 2-1 win over Newcastle United, while Birmingham City edged out Wigan Athletic 3-2.

 Sunderland survived the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Greg Halford had been sent off, and equalised through Kenwyne Jones to snatch a point with a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

DPA