Liverpool have handed Manchester United their third defeat in five Premier League football games, a hattrick from striker Dirk Kuyt dealing a heavy blow to leaders United's title chances.
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 title rivals Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
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.
The Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says the dutch international Kuyt duly deserves his moment in the sun.
United are top on 60 points from 29 games, Arsenal are second with 57 from 28 and third-placed Manchester City are on 53.
Tottenham Hotspur are fourth equal on points after a 3-all draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers and this morning's win lifts Liverpool to sixth place.
