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Arsenal ends United's unbeaten run

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is struck in the face by a ball kicked by Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo during their English Premiership soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

Arsenal ended the perfect start of rivals Manchester United in the English Premiership on Sunday as they won 1-0 at Old Trafford in an entertaining clash.

Emmanuel Adebayor sealed the victory -- Arsenal's first in the league this season -- ending United's run of four straight wins and ensuring that Portsmouth remain a point clear at the top.

Cristiano Ronaldo conceded possession to Cesc Fabregas in midfield and the Spain international found Emmanuel Adebayor, who slid in a first-time shot past Tomasz Kuszczak, who was making his debut in the United goal.

Kuszczak had earlier saved Gilberto's penalty after he had brought down Adebayor while Arsenal were thankful to a fantastic save in the dying minutes from their goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, who turned a shot from substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer around the post.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was delighted with the win, a result achieved despite the absence of injured striker Thierry Henry.

"You can see we are a very strong side," he said. "I believe in this team and the win reinforces my belief."

"There is no transition. We want to win the championship. I said before the game we can and I will say again after the game, this team has a big potential," he said.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea again showed their resilience as they withstood the dismissal of Michael Ballack to beat Liverpool 1-0.

Didier Drogba scored the only goal of the game three minutes before half-time, taking Frank Lampard's long pass down on his chest, moving away from Jamie Carragher, and, from the edge of the box, slamming a brilliant shot on the turn into the bottom corner.

Ballack was sent off six minutes after the break for a stamp on Momo Sissoko.
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