A last minute strike by Nolberto Solano clinched a 4-3 win for Newcastle over Leeds in a thrilling match to put the Magpies three points clear at the top of the Premiership. Craig Bellamy gave the lead to Newcastle in the 38th minute, but just one minute later, the returning Lee Bowyer equalised with a well-taken goal after a one-on-one with Shay Given at Elland Road.
Second-half goals from Mark Viduka and Ian Harte gave Leeds a two-goal advantage, but Robbie Elliot pulled one back for Newcastle with a diving header in the 58th minute and an Alan Shearer penalty in the 71st minute levelled the scores. Solano's last minute goal completed the Newcastle fight back from 3-1 down to keep them on top of the Premiership, at least until tomorrow's game between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Speaking of comebacks, Manchester United now ominously move up to fourth place following their 6-1 demolition of Southampton at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy claimed his first hat-trick for the club. The Dutchman opened the scoring after just 28 seconds with the fastest goal this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Roy Keane and Phil Neville scored United's other goals, while Marian Pahars grabbed Southampton's consolation effort.
Elsewhere, rock bottom Ipswich stunned Spurs with a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane. Substitute Alun Armstrong sealed the shock win three minutes from time after Tottenham star Teddy Sheringham had been sent off eight minutes into the second half at White Hart Lane.
Leicester skipper Matt Elliott was sent off for violent conduct before Paolo di Canio scored with an outrageously cheeky penalty to rescue a point for West Ham in a 1-1 draw. Elliott reacted angrily 17 minutes from time after referee Eric Wolstenholme had adjudged he had brought down Joe Cole and awarded a penalty. Elliot appeared to headbutt and throw a punch at Trevor Sinclair and was instantly dismissed.
Goals from Irish international Damien Duff and highly rated David Dunn sealed a 2-0 win for Blackburn over Charlton at the Valley, while Sunderland midfielder Claudio Reyna marked his home debut with the only goal of the game to guide his side to a 1-0 victory over Everton.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
