Leaders United keep Arsenal at arm's length
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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Wayne Rooney scored twice as leaders Manchester United FC defeated Aston Villa FC 3-1 to stay five points clear of Arsenal FC, who came from behind to win 2-1 against Everton FC.
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Manchester United FC beat Aston Villa FC 3-1 to stay five points clear of Arsenal FC – 2-1 winners against Everton FC – at the Premier League summit.
Wayne Rooney had scored just one league goal from open play prior to his first-minute strike against Villa. The England striker controlled Edwin van der Sar's clearance with delightful ease before rattling in a dipping shot. Rooney turned in Nani's cross to add a second on the stroke of half-time. Though Darren Bent (58) pulled one back with his second goal in three games since arriving from Sunderland AFC, Nemanja Vidić wrapped up the win five minutes later. United are still unbeaten in the league this term.
Arsenal, meanwhile, found the going even tougher at home against Everton. Louis Saha gave the visitors a 24th-minute lead having been released by Seamus Coleman, but substitute Andrey Arshavin (70) drew Arsenal level and Laurent Koscielny headed in Robin van Persie's corner five minutes later to win it for Arsène Wenger's side.
Five points off the Gunners in fourth are the champions Chelsea FC, who had goals from Frank Lampard (15) – via the penalty spot – Salomon Kalou (23), captain John Terry (60) and Nicolas Anelka (90+3) to thank for a 4-2 win at Sunderland AFC. Elsewhere, Wigan Athletic FC remain in the relegation zone after a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion FC.
