Arsenal bounced back from two successive Premier League defeats in emphatic style by thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 at the Emirates while Liverpool triumphed 3-2 at West Ham United.
Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen got two for Arsenal in a one-sided affair while Fernando Torres grabbed a double as Liverpool overcame a West Ham side who twice came from behind.
Aston Villa also gained ground on the leaders with a 2-0 home win over Portsmouth, who are still without a point after six games.
Promoted Burnley's good start continued when they beat Sunderland 3-1 with two goals on debut from on-loan striker David Nugent, Birmingham City beat Hull City 1-0 away while Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City drew 1-1.
Liverpool and Villa move on to 12 points -- joining Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur -- while Chelsea lead the way with a maximum 15 points.
There are four games on Sunday, including the Manchester derby and Chelsea versus Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
