Soccer: Harewood hat-trick gives West Ham win

LONDON - Striker Marlon Harewood scored a hat-trick to inspire West Ham United to a 4-0 home win over Aston Villa in today's English Premier League match.

Promoted Hammers climbed to seventh in the standings with seven points from four games. They trail leaders Chelsea by eight points with a game in hand.

Champions Chelsea continued their perfect start with a 2-0 home win over Sunderland on Saturday. They have 15 points from five games, 10 goals for and none against.

Harewood slotted home Teddy Sheringham's pass from the middle of the area for his first goal in the 25th minute at Upton Park.

The striker was closer in when he netted the second four minutes later after defender Anton Ferdinand had headed down Matt Etherington's corner from the right.

Harewood completed his hat-trick five minutes into the second half when he shot home after Etherington's free kick from the right wing to the far post.

Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun completed Villa's misery with West Ham's fourth goal one minute from time.

- REUTERS