Arsenal delay Chelsea celebrations

By Andrew Haslam

English champions Arsenal FC maintained their faint hopes of retaining their Premiership crown with victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the north London derby, a result which leaves Chelsea FC still needing two points to clinch the title.

Victory essential
Chelsea's 3-1 success against Fulham FC on Saturday meant Arsène Wenger's team had to win tonight, and José Antonio Reyes's strike midway through the first half proved enough for three vital points. Chelsea are still eleven points clear at the top, however, and a win at Bolton Wanderers FC on Saturday will give José Mourinho's side their first league championship in 50 years.

First-minute miss
The hosts might have taken the lead at Highbury inside the first minute as Robin van Persie's pass split the Tottenham defence and sent Reyes clear. The Spanish forward rounded goalkeeper Paul Robinson but, with the goal gaping, sliced his shot wide with his unfavoured right foot.

Unerring finish
At the other end, Jermain Defoe's powerful drive was parried by Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, before Reyes atoned for his earlier miss in the 22nd minute. Again the Tottenham defence was sprung, this time by Cesc Fabregas's pass and Reyes made no mistake, drilling an angled left-foot shot beyond Robinson and into the corner of the net.

Late fright
Arsenal continued to create the better chances in the second period, with Kolo Touré, substitute Edu, Reyes and Dennis Bergkamp all going close, although Tottenham replacement Robbie Keane could have snatched a draw but his 87th-minute header flashed wide.