England round-up: Arsenal claim vital victory

Arsenal FC moved into second place in the FA Premiership table with a convincing 2-0 win against Newcastle United FC on Saturday.

Dominated possession
A full house at St James' Park witnessed a hard-fought encounter, with Arsenal dominating possession for long periods. The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute as Dennis Bergkamp received a long ball from Robert Pires and beat Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given with a sublime finish.

Campbell on target
Arsenal doubled their lead five minutes before half-time when defender Sol Campbell rose high to head home a floated Bergkamp free-kick. Chances came and went at both ends but Arsenal held firm and are now level on points with leaders Manchester United FC at the summit of the standings.

Anelka inspires Liverpool
Nicolas Anelka's second Premiership goal for Liverpool FC helped Phil Thompson's championship-chasers on their way to a 2-0 win at Fulham FC.

Anelka on target
The young French striker put the visitors in front in the 13th minute at Craven Cottage before Finnish striker Jari Litmanen added a second goal late in the game.

No joy for Chelsea
In the day's London derby, Chelsea FC's European hopes took another blow at Charlton Athletic FC as Claudio Ranieri's side lost 2-1. Jason Euell scored in the 72nd and 89th minutes for Charlton and Frank Lampard's effort eight minutes from time could not prevent their south-east London opponents recording their second win of the season against Chelsea.

West Ham thwarted
A Paolo di Canio penalty after 13 minutes gave West Ham United FC the early edge at Aston Villa FC, but it was to prove a disappointing day for the Londoners thanks to an equaliser from Juan Pablo Angel in the 23rd minute and then a 90th-minute winner from Darius Vassell.

Cole dismissed
Blackburn Rovers FC's bid to haul themselves out of relegation trouble was hardly helped when Andy Cole was sent off for violent conduct in the 19th minute of their Lancashire derby with fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers FC at the Reebok Stadium.

Jansen equalises
Things got worse for Graeme Souness' side too when veteran striker Rod Wallace popped up with a goal on the stroke of half-time for Bolton but Matt Jansen was on the mark in the 68th minute to rescue a point for ten-man Blackburn.

Sunderland slump continues
Sunderland AFC's poor recent form continued at Tottenham Hotspur FC. Gustavo Poyet's 31st-minute goal gave the hosts the advantage before Patrick Mboma equalised with virtually the last act of the first half on his full debut for Peter Reid's side. Les Ferdinand scored a 63rd-minute winner for Spurs.

Southampton win away
A 52nd-minute goal from Rory Delap, a second from Brett Ormerod just after the hour and then one from Chris Marsden two minutes from time brought Southampton FC a precious three points towards safety against relegation candidates Ipswich Town FC at Portman Road. Finidi George's 82nd-minute goal back for the hosts made the Southampton sweat but not for long.

Leicester lose again
Nothing is going right for apparently doomed Leicester City FC, and Frank Sinclair made things even worse for the Foxes when he scored a spectacular own goal in only the fourth minute at Middlesbrough FC to leave his side once again chasing the game. It was the only goal of the game and leaves Leicester eight points adrift at the bottom.