MANU , Chelsea win their matches as Liverpool stumble …

Manchester United maintained their six-point lead at the top with a 2-0 victory over Charlton, as Chelsea beat Middlesbrough 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

At the other end of the table Watford won the relegation six-pointer with fellow strugglers West Ham at Upton Park.

Newcastle ended Liverpool's recent unbeaten record as they came from behind to win 2-1 at a rain-soaked St James' Park.

Manchester United showed no sign in letting up in their pursuit of the title as goals in each half from Park Ji-sung and Darren Fletcher gave them another three points.

Chelsea remain in pursuit of the leaders and they broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time with Didier Drogba firing home a free-kick from the edge of the box.

The Blues doubled their lead on 66 minutes when the unfortunate Abel Xavier diverted Arjen Robben's shot into his own net.

Drogba grabbed his second of the game seven minutes from time to wrap up the win for Jose Mourinho's men.

Darius Henderson scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot to help Watford beat West Ham 1-0.

Watford were handed the penalty on 11 minutes when Anton Ferdinand tugged back Henderson in the box and the big striker kept his cool from the spot to break his duck in the Premiership.

West Ham won a penalty of their own on the hour mark when Gavin Mahon hauled down Nigel Reo-Coker inside the box, but to the despair of the home fans Harewood hit his spot-kick wide of the target.

Newcastle spoiled Craig Bellamy's return to St James' Park as they beat Liverpool.

Bellamy silenced the jeers of the Newcastle faithful after just six minutes when Steve Harper's poor clearance fell straight to Jermaine Pennant who burst past Celestine Babayaro before pulling it back for Bellamy to slot the ball home.

Newcastle were gifted their equaliser on 26 minutes after a terrible clanger by Reina.

Reina made a mess of a straightforward clearance kicking it straight against Daniel Agger and the ball dropped to Obafemi Martins who had the simple task of sliding the ball into the empty net.

Newcastle forged ahead on 70 minutes with a controversial penalty from Nolberto Solano after Steven Taylor went down in the box under a challenge from John Arne Riise.

Sheffield United came from a goal down to beat Tottenham 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

Spurs got off to a flying start with Jermaine Jenas firing them in front after just two minutes.

United hit back and drew level on 27 courtesy of Rob Hulse's strike and Phil Jagielka netted the winner just past the hour mark when he converted from the penalty spot.

Everton gained revenge for their FA Cup exit to Blackburn with a 1-0 win over Mark Hughes' men at Goodison Park.

Andy Johnson celebrated his birthday in style with the only goal of the game after just ten minutes to give Everton the victory.

Reading maintained their push for a shock European place with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the lunchtime kick-off at The Madejski Stadium.

Steve Sidwell was the hero for the home side with both goals to help Reading to their fourth successive Premiership win.

The midfielder broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when heading home a corner from Stephen Hunt and he sealed the victory with his second in the final seconds of the game.