Arsenal equal English record

Premiership leaders Arsenal FC equalled the English record for the number of league games unbeaten from the start of the season with a 2-1 victory against Bolton Wanderers FC at Highbury.

Unbeaten run
Arsène Wenger's side achieved a 29th league game without defeat, equalling the record first established by Leeds United AFC in 1973/74 and also achieved by the Liverpool FC side in 1987/88, and maintained their nine-point lead in the standings. Arsenal have the chance to set a new mark in their next game – at home to third-placed Manchester United FC next Sunday.

Bergkamp boost
Dennis Bergkamp was instrumental in both Arsenal goals, laying on the pass from which Robert Pires curled the first from just outside the penalty area in the 16th minute. The Dutch forward scored the second himself eight minutes later, touching in at the far post to give the home side a two-goal cushion.

Bolton strike back
The lead was halved four minutes before half-time, as Iván Campo pulled a goal back, and Stylianos Giannakopoulos headed against the crossbar shortly afterwards, but Arsenal held firm for an important win.

Duff decisive
Second-placed Chelsea FC took the lead at home to Fulham FC in the seventh minute through Eidur Gudjohnsen. Although Mark Pembridge equalised 12 minutes later, Damien Duff restored the home side's advantage on the half-hour, earning three important points in the process.

Home victory
Manchester United remained three points further adrift with Ryan Giggs opening the scoring in the 30th minute before late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and David Bellion earned a 3-0 victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Last-gasp winner
In the struggle for England's final remaining place in next season's UEFA Champions League, Liverpool FC moved into fourth as Sami Hyypiä's last-minute header earned a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Two Alan Shearer goals, meanwhile, helped Newcastle United FC to a 3-1 win against Charlton Athletic FC and kept Sir Bobby Robson's side level on points with Liverpool.

Away success
Blackburn Rovers FC were 2-0 winners at Aston Villa FC, with first-half goals from Garry Flitcroft and Jon Stead deciding the game. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's strike seemed to have earned Everton FC – who had Duncan Ferguson dismissed just before half-time – three points at Leicester City FC, but Marcus Bent equalised in the last minute.

Scoring spree
In a remarkable game at the Riverside stadium, Mikael Forssell's two goals were not enough for Birmingham City FC, as two Massimo Maccarone strikes, plus goals from Gaizka Mendieta, Gareth Southgate and Szilard Nemeth helped Middlesbrough FC to a 5-3 victory.