Arsenal surged to the top of the English Premier League for the first time this season after coming from behind to beat Bolton 3-1 on Saturday.
Goals from Emmanuel Eboue, Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson sent the Gunners clear on a day when Liverpool’s title credentials were dented by their goalless draw against newly promoted Stoke at Anfield.
Bolton got off to a good start when Kevin Davies headed them into the lead, but Arsenal responded with a period of sustained pressure that produced goals for Eboue and Bendtner in quick succession and Brazilian midfielder Denilson’s late strike wrapped things up at the Reebok Stadium.
Liverpool had started the day level with Chelsea on points and thought they were on their way to victory when Steven Gerrard fired in a 25m free-kick after only two minutes.
But the strike was controversially disallowed for offside and Stoke, thanks to an inspired display by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, were not breached again.
It was the first time Liverpool had failed to win in 11 league matches at Anfield and manager Rafael Benitez was left fuming over what he described as an “unbelievable” decision by referee Andre Marriner.
“If we had scored the first goal, the game would have been completely different, very open,” the Spaniard said. “But the referee disallowed it and nobody can explain why. In his position it is impossible to have a good view. It is very, very strange.”
Elsewhere, Fulham’s strong start to the season was checked by a 1-0 defeat at Blackburn that handed their new manager Paul Ince victory over his Fulham counterpart Roy Hodgson, who once managed the former England midfielder at Inter.
Roque Santa Cruz’s knockdown enabled Matt Derbyshire to claim his third goal of the season and settle the contest six minutes from the end of a closely balanced match. The three points were enough to lift Blackburn out of the relegation zone.
There was no such relief for managerless and up-for-sale Newcastle, who dropped to second-from-bottom of the table after a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
Italian striker David Di Michele helped ensure his compatriot Gianfranco Zola’s reign as West Ham manager got off to a flying start.
Di Michele, who was making his first start for the Hammers after joining the Londoners on loan from Torino, scored twice before the break to put his new club in charge.
Matt Etherington then bundled in Di Michele’s mishit shot eight minutes after the break before Michael Owen netted a consolation effort for the Magpies.
The display earned former Chelsea favorite Zola a rapturous reception from the Hammers fans, which he admitted had touched him.
“It means a lot to me and also to the players,” he said. “They worked very hard and well this week so when you get the results it is a great satisfaction.”
In Saturday’s other game a brace by striker Michael Chopra propelled Sunderland to victory against Middlesbrough.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely