English Premier League rankings
THE TOP THREE
1. Manchester United – Major upheavals at the top of the rankings see the Reds return to the top spot after dismantling Newcastle.
2. Arsenal – The Gunners emain in the top two by virtue of their first-place standing but we reserve judgment after events at Birmingham.
3. Everton – Finally, a new face in the top three. Fourteen points from the last available 18 and now electrifying in the UEFA Cup.
THE BOTTOM THREE
18. Newcastle – We've been saying for a couple of weeks that Kevin Keegan could take this mob down. Still doubt us?
19. Reading – Eight straight defeats is actually a worse mark than Derby, but there is faint hope for Steve Coppell's side ... though it's fading fast.
20. Derby – No change in the bottom three, no change in Derby's exercise in futility.
TEAM RISING
Aston Villa – A recent dip and defeat at Fulham is behind them. A Champions League spot is a real possibility.
TEAM FALLING
Fulham – The mini-recovery of a couple of weeks ago looks an illusion after conceding late against West Ham.
