An inexplicable handball by Portsmouth's Papa Bouba Diop has allowed Steven Gerrard to score a late penalty and a 1-0 home win for Liverpool allowing the Merseysiders to maintain their three-point English football Premier League lead.
Second-placed Chelsea, who were beaten at home by Liverpool last round, recovered with a convincing 3-0 win over league newcomers Hull City.
And struggling Tottenham Hotspur claimed a valuable point in earning a 4-4 injury time draw away to Arsenal after the Gunners had twice led by two goals.
Manchester United were comfortable 2-0 home winners over West Ham United, both goals by Cristiano Ronaldo, while Aston Villa moved into the top four when they came from behind to record a 3-2 home win over Blackburn Rovers.
