Page "2002–03 in English football" Paragraph 48

* 31 January 2003-January draws to a close with Arsenal still top of the Premier League, two points above second placed Manchester United and within a game in hand.

Newcastle United, Chelsea and Everton complete the top five.

Liverpool's decline continues as they occupy eighth place, deepening fears that a side looking all set for title glory three months ago might now not even qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion's dismal form continues as they and West Ham United prop up the rest of the top flight on goal difference.

Sunderland occupy the last relegation place.

Middlesbrough boost their bid for a UEFA Cup place by spending a total of £ 8. 5million on new signings Chris Riggott, Malcolm Christie and Michael Ricketts.

Leeds United sell Jonathan Woodgate to Newcastle United for £ 9million.

Portsmouth and Leicester City remain in pole position at the top of Division One, and apart from Coventry City edging Reading out of the playoff zone the top six of the division is unchanged from last month.