Gerrard scored the opening goal in a 2-0 Liverpool victory with a fierce shot after 39 minutes that was deflected by Beckham and looped over Fabien Barthez. Michael Owen added a late second on the break to add to his Millennium Stadium goals in the 2001 FA Cup Final and Charity Shield.

 

"It took a little deflection, not a heavy one. As long as it has my name on it, I don't care. It went in," said a delighted Gerrard whose side have come back from an 11-match winless streak to lift the major trophy of the season.

Owen lived up to his manager Gerard Houllier's assertion of being a big-match player with his goal as United chased an equaliser.

"It was my first real chance of the game but you always have to be alive as a striker," he said. "The players have taken a bit of stick and it's nice for everyone connected to the club to win."

The England contingent at Manchester United clearly felt flat at the final whistle with Rio Ferdinand particularly disappointed. As a summer arrival, he has yet to win a major trophy in his career - unlike team-mates Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Paul Scholes, who also played.

 

Back in the Premiership, Francis Jeffers followed his recent scoring streak with a goal in Arsenal's 2-0 win against Charlton at Highbury on Sunday. Jeffers netted on his England debut against Australia last month and had a rare start alongside Thierry Henry for The Gunners. Jeffers scored the first goal with Henry assisting, and then set up the second for Robert Pires with an effort that came off the post.

Arsenal are eight points clear at the top of the Premiership with Manchester United and Newcastle next.

Everton have crept into the final Champions League spot with a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough but it would have been even better had it not been for Boro defender Gareth Southgate.

 

The England stalwart made a fantastic challenge to deny Wayne Rooney a last-minute winner. "When I saw Gareth running with Rooney, I knew his pace would get him there to prevent a goal," smiled Boro boss Steve McClaren. "It was a great nick away from Rooney, but that's what we have come to expect from Gareth - and what he is there for."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I don't blame Wayne. It was fabulous pace and control to get him there, I thought it was in but Gareth got a great toepoke in."

Chelsea are now fifth after a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, Frank Lampard scoring for the visitors.

James Beattie looks as if he could become the first English winner of the Golden Boot since Michael Owen. His 18th goal of the Premiership season came in a 1-0 win over West Brom. "He was the difference between the two sides," said Saints manager Gordon Strachan. Beattie's only rival to be top scorer looks to be Thierry Henry.

 

Michael Carrick is less prolific but his first goal in 50 games helped West Ham beat Spurs 2-0. Les Ferdinand scored the first but manager Glenn Roeder is equally delighted about how the veteran is helping under-21 striker Jermaine Defoe.

"Jermaine learns from Les every single day in training. Les has not only had a great career he is a great human being as well. Jermaine knows what Les has achieved in the game and has the utmost respect for him."

David Dunn continues his return from the wilderness with the only goal for Blackburn at home to Manchester City.

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness claims Dunn is not talking to him after a fall-out over the player's personal life. "I want to put all that behind me. I am only 23 and willing to learn about the game," said Dunn.

Compiled by Joe Bernstein

Premiership Results March 1st/2nd

Arsenal 2 Charlton 0
Aston Villa v Birmingham City (Monday)
Blackburn 1 Manchester City 0
Fulham 1 Sunderland 0
Middlesbrough 1 Everton 1
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1
Southampton 1 West Brom 0
West Ham 2 Spurs 0

* Worthington Cup Final: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 0