Zenit smash Spartak, Lokomotiv held

Zenit St. Petersburg's stunning start to the Russian Premier League season continued as they thrashed Spartak Moscow 5-0. The result made it four wins from four for Zenit, who took the lead after 15 minutes through Maksim Kanunnikov. They had to wait until seven minutes into the second half to double their lead, through Vladimir Bystrov, before Roman Shirokov added a third after an hour's play. A double from Viktor Faizulin wrapped up the win, with Spartak having won all three of their league games prior to this. Their task was made more difficult by the 63rd-minute dismissal of Irish winger Aiden McGeady. Lokomotiv Moscow joined third-placed Anzhi Makhachkala on seven points following a 2-2 draw at home to Alania Vladikavkaz. The Muscovites burst ahead through Roman Pavlyuchenko's third-minute goal but they were pegged back by Anton Grigoriev's sixth-minute equaliser. Maicon restored Lokomotiv's lead but this time it lasted just four minutes as Tamas Priskin drew Alania level again. Alania finished the match with ten men after substitute Aslan Dudiev was sent off with seven minutes to go. Terek Grozny moved behind Lokomotiv on goal difference following a 2-0 win at home to Volga as Igor Lebedenko's double settled it for the Chechen side. FIFA