A hattrick of goals from the Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt dealt a body blow to Manchester United's Premier League title hopes as the leaders were beaten 3-1 at Anfield this morning.
It was United's second league loss in a week after losing 2-1 at Chelsea last Wednesday, leaving them just three points ahead of Arsenal, having played a game more.
Kuyt scored twice within five minutes in the first half, and he put the result beyond doubt with his third midway through the second half.
United's consolation goal was scored by substitute Javier Hernandez in stoppage time.
United have 60 points from 29 games. Arsenal have 57 from 28 with third-placed Manchester City on 53 points, and Liverpool are up to 6th place.
