Arsenal extend unbeaten run

Arsenal FC maintained their nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers FC, extending their unbeaten run to 28 league matches in the process.

Manchester derby
The result kept the London side nine points clear of Chelsea FC – winners at Bolton Wanderers FC by the same score – with Manchester United FC a further three points behind ahead of their derby meeting with Manchester City FC on Sunday.

Treble chance
Arsenal, who remained on course for a remarkable treble of league, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, initially struggled to break down a well-organised Blackburn side, although Thierry Henry did have an effort disallowed in the first period. 

Henry strikes
The French striker did break the deadlock 12 minutes into the second half, curling a free-kick beyond Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Arsène Wenger's side wrapped up the points three minutes from time as Robert Pires tapped in a rebound after Gilberto's strike had rebounded off a post.

Bolton pressure
Chelsea were also made to work for a 2-0 victory, with Henrik Pedersen's strike hitting the post in the first half and Chelsea goalkeeper Marco Ambrosio twice called into action.

Decisive spell
However, two goals in three minutes sealed the victory for Claudio Ranieri's team, as John Terry started and finished a flowing move, volleying in Damien Duff's cross to give his side the lead. Duff himself scored the second, touching in a low cross from close range.
 
Charlton cheer
Charlton Athletic FC moved up to fourth place with a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Middlesbrough FC, Matt Holland scoring the only goal of the game midway through the first half. Charlton moved above Birmingham, who were beaten 1-0 at home by Leicester City FC, with Les Ferdinand scoring the winner early in the second half.

Strugglers lose
At the other end of the table, late goals from Sean Davis and Luis Boa Morte earned Fulham FC a 2-0 victory against Leeds United AFC, who stayed bottom. Leicester's win meant that Portsmouth FC slipped into the relegation zone as Wayne Rooney's goal earned Everton FC a 1-0 win.

Sunday action
On Sunday, Newcastle United FC can regain fourth position as they visit Tottenham Hotspur FC, while another team in contention for England's fourth Champions League place, Liverpool FC, travel to Southampton FC. Finally, struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers FC are at home to Aston Villa FC.