Manchester United are just four points off their city rivals in third following a 3-1 win at home to Leicester – both Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao netting for United today.
After five months on the sidelines, Daniel Sturridge made a scoring return to the Liverpool side, grabbing the second in the Reds' 2-0 defeat of West Ham.
Up to fifth go Tottenham after Harry Kane scored twice in a 3-0 win at West Brom.
Jon Walters scored a hat-trick for Stoke in a 3-1 win at home to second-bottom QPR.
Everton got back in the winning habit with a 1-0 defeat of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
While Sunderland eased their relegation worries – Jermain Defoe got a first goal in red and white stripes in a 2-0 win at home to Burnley.