Liverpool lead League table

London - Liverpool kept the pressure on Manchester United by returning to the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.

Two goals from Steven Gerrard and a late strike by substitute Ryan Babel lifted Rafael Benitez's side into pole position on the strength of their superior goal difference.

But United remain strong favourites to close out a third consecutive domestic triumph.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, will be champions again if they take seven points from their remaining four matches.

With games against Wigan and Arsenal on Wednesday and next Saturday respectively, United could have wrapped up their 18th English title by the time Liverpool next play, at West Brom on May 17.