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Arsenal triumphs in big London derby

Gilberto (on ground) of Arsenal and Pascal Chimbonda of Tottenham during Saturday`s English Premiership soccer clash between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium in London. PHOTO: EPA

Arsenal and Liverpool breathed some life into their faltering seasons on Saturday as they both recorded much-needed victories.

Arsenal shrugged off their recent poor form to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium while Liverpool trounced Wigan Athletic 4-0 at the JJB Stadium for their first away league win this season.

Beginning the day 16 points behind Premiership leaders Manchester United, Arsenal were without Thierry Henry but still cruised to victory over their North London rivals, with Gilberto Silva scoring two penalties to help secure three points.

The win moved Arsenal up to third, just ahead on goal difference of Portsmouth, who drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.

"I think we worked very hard today and it was important for us to win," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Spurs could feel hard done by at the manner of the first two goals, but manager Martin Jol had no complaints.

"I can't say anything about the referee because we did not do our job well today," Jol said.

Craig Bellamy scored twice as Liverpool romped to victory at Wigan, with all four goals coming in the first half.

The Reds are now fifth, level on 25 points with Arsenal, Portsmouth, who drew 2-2 with Aston Villa, and Reading, who beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0.

Meanwhile, Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to six points as they won 2-1 at Middlesbrough.

Darren Fletcher headed the winner on 67 minutes to give United three points and take full advantage of second-placed Chelsea not having a match this weekend.

Louis Saha put United ahead inside 20 minutes with James Morrison equalizing for the home side with 25 minutes remaining.

But Fletcher, who started in place of Michael Carrick, popped up to head home what proved to be the winner and take United's points total to 41.

Blackburn Rovers returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Fulham, while Sheffield United moved out of the relegation zone after they came from behind to beat bottom side Charlton Athletic 2-1.

Keith Gillespie volleyed home a stunning winner in the dying minutes to give Neil Warnock's side their fourth win in the league this season.
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