sentences:  Chelsea and Arsenal were still giving the two Merseyside clubs a serious run for their money, while a surprise challenge was also starting to mount from Southampton, Norwich and Aston Villa.After a generally very disappointing September, Manchester United had started to improve and were just seven points (though 10 places) behind Liverpool.The challenge from Millwall and Coventry, however, appeared to have ended as both clubs were now some way down the table.