Reds go into break in lead

An electric start from Liverpool has ensured they go into the break 2-0 up against Portsmouth in this afternoon's Premier League games.

Rafael Benitez’s side broke the deadlock after 13 minutes as Yossi Benayoun volleyed in before Sylvain Distin’s unfortunate own goal.

John Carew’s fourth goal of the season meant Aston Villa were level 1-1 with Manchester City.

City went ahead after 11 minutes as Rolando Bianchi slid in to steer home Martin Petrov’s teasing cross for his fourth goal of the campaign. But their joy was shortlived as Carew scuffed the ball past Joe Hart after a swashbuckling run had taken him past Richard Dunne and Micah Richards on the edge of the penalty area.

A stunning strike from Dean Ashton ensured West Ham went into the break level with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium after David Wheater’s second of the season had given Boro the lead.

Fulham struggled to find a way past a stubborn Wigan outfit in their first game following the dismissal of Lawrie Sanchez.

The Cottagers, who sacked the former Northern Ireland boss yesterday after just two wins in 17 games, did come closest to finding a breakthrough as Paul Konchesky rattled the crossbar with a stinging drive from fully 35 yards.

Andy Cole wasted a golden opportunity to score his first Sunderland goal as Roy Keane’s side went into the break level with Reading despite being second best at the Madejski Stadium.

Bolton and Birmingham played out an insipid first-half at the Reebok Stadium with neither side looking likely to break the deadlock.