Awesome United rout West Ham 7-1 to March 10 points clear

Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu scored twice, and in-form substitute Thierry Henry converted a late penalty after Andreas Lund had given the Dons an early lead. Wimbledon’s Jason Euell was sent off two minutes from time.

Manchester United, unbeaten at Old Trafford this season, fell behind to a goal from Costa Rican Paulo Wanchope in the 11th minute but hit back in devastating fashion.

The reigning European Champions, led 3-1 at the interval and then added a further four goals before easing the pressure in the final 20 minutes.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his team after a victory that leaves them needing a maximum of just 11 points in the run-in to retain their crown.

"It was an outstanding performance. We were absolutely superb," said the Scotsman, who was presented with an award for Manager of the Decade before kick-off.

Leeds, beaten at Leicester last weekend, saw their hopes of catching Sir Alex Ferguson’s leaders recede further as Chelsea grabbed only their fifth win at Elland Road in 40 years.

Jon Harley, one of four Englishmen in Chelsea’s line-up, scored the only goal of a disappointing game in 62nd minute as Chelsea, currently fifth, moved to within five points of Leeds and the second automatic Champions League spot.

Leeds manager David O’Leary, who was heard lambasting his players in the dressing room after the match, conceded that the Yorkshire club’s title dream was over.

"I have said all season that Manchester United are the best team in the country," said the Irishman. "I would be extremely surprised if they were not to win it now."

Liverpool strikers Owen and Heskey gave England manager Kevin Keegan a lift ahead of Euro 2000.

The 20-year-old Owen announced his return to form after a lengthy injury lay-off with two goals in the first half as Liverpool made light work of Coventry. Heskey, who is hoping to join his strike partner in Keegan’s final 22-man squad, sealed Liverpool’s victory 12 minutes from time.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who left Owen on the bench in last yesterday’s 2-1 over Newcastle, said he was delighted by the striker’s return to form.

Arsenal needed all their famous battling qualities to beat Wimbledon at Selhurst Park, after conceding an early goal and playing the second half with 10 men after Luzhny’s dismissal for a professional foul on goalscorer Andreas Lund.

Luzhny was the seventh Arsenal player to be sent off this season, and the 29th since manager Arsene Wenger arrived at Highbury three-and-a-half years ago.

But Wenger denied Arsenal were a dirty team, insisting: "I know I will be bombarded with the 29, but what can I do? I feel we did not behave unfairly today, and it’s unlucky."

In other matches, two goals from American Joe-Max Moore helped mid-table Everton to a 4-2 win over bottom-placed Watford, who remain nine points adfrift of safety.

Bradford City also look doomed to an instant return to the first division after they were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle. Welshman Gary Speed and England captain Alan Shearer scored the goals for the Magpies.

Sunderland won their second consecutive game after three months without a win as Southampton crashed 2-1 at home.