Arsenal edge into top spot

Arsenal FC climbed back to the top of the Premiership table with a 2-1 win against Manchester City FC in driving rain at Highbury on Sunday.

Henry brilliance
The home side went ahead when City defender Michael Tarnat poked the ball past his own goalkeeper six minutes before the half-time break and only doubled their lead seven minutes from time, when Thierry Henry drove a wonderful shot into the top right-hand corner of David James's goal.

Anelka off
The visitors, who have now gone 12 Premiership games without a victory, pulled a goal back when Nicolas Anelka found the target on 88 minutes. But the former Arsenal striker was sent off for grappling with Ashley Cole as he tried to retrieve the ball from the net and City's hopes of rescuing a draw disappeared down the tunnel with the Frenchman.

Reyes debut
The game gave Arsenal fans their first glimpse of new signing José Antonio Reyes, who came on as a 70th-minute substitute for Dennis Bergkamp and manager Arsène Wenger was delighted with his latest signing's contribution. "Straight away he got a chance and he made a chance," said Wenger. "What we want most from Reyes is to score goals and he should settle in quickly on and off the pitch, as he must be used to the pressure."

Five-goal thrillers
Chelsea FC fans, hoping to see their side match the exploits of Manchester United FC, were treated to a five-goal thriller as the Premiership's third-placed side defeated Blackburn Rovers FC 3-2. Hot on the heels of second-placed United's victory against Southampton FC by the odd goal in five on Saturday, Chelsea followed suit at Ewood Park, although they needed an 88th-minute Glen Johnson goal to clinch all three points.

Lampard double
Gary Flitcroft had put Blackburn into the lead with just three minutes on the clock but Frank Lampard ensured Chelsea were ahead by the interval after scoring twice, first sweeping a Claude Makelele pass in off the post, then beating the offside trap to drive home his second. Paul Gallagher looked to have grabbed the home side a share of the spoils when he beat Carlo Cudicini on 87 minutes but Johnson's rapid response snatched victory.