Arsenal and United move clear

A William Gallas goal gave Arsenal FC a 1-0 win against his former club Chelsea FC to reclaim first place in the Premier League from a Manchester United FC team who defeated Liverpool FC by the same scoreline earlier on Sunday.

Čech error
In a competitive game at the Arsenal Stadium, Chelsea were dealt a blow in the first half when captain John Terry had to be withdrawn with a foot injury after a challenge with Emmanuel Eboué. Both sides struggled to create chances before the break and it took a mistake just before half-time for the breakthrough to come. A Cesc Fabregas corner was completely missed by away goalkeeper Petr Čech and Gallas took full advantage to head into the empty net.

Lively second period
The game opened up after the break and both John Obi Mikel and Shaun Wright-Phillips went close for Chelsea while Robin van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside. Despite some late pressure from the west London side, Arsenal held out for the three points.

Tévez strike
Earlier at Anfield, Liverpool were the dominant side in the first half against Manchester United but the closest they could come to converting that into a lead was when a Harry Kewell effort was cleared off the line by Patrice Evra. United then struck in the 42nd minute after a clever Ryan Giggs corner found Wayne Rooney whose shot was diverted in by Carlos Tévez.

Liverpool pressure
The second half brought more Liverpool pressure but the away side still managed to carve out good opportunities with Rooney missing the best of them after he was unable to convert a Cristiano Ronaldo cross. Liverpool manager Rafa Benítez made three attacking substitutions but the home side could not force an equaliser as they fell to a second successive Premier League loss having been unbeaten in their previous 14 outings this term. Arsenal (40 points) and Manchester United (39) have now edged clear of Chelsea (34) and Manchester City (33), with Liverpool dropping to fifth on 30 points with a game in hand.