Arsenal beat Blackburn to go five points clear at top
Arsene Wenger's team beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0.
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Monday, 11, Feb 2008 11:02
Arsenal have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium.
The win puts them five points clear of their nearest rivals Manchester United, who are second in the league, followed by Chelsea in third place.
The Gunners took an early lead when Philippe Senderos headed Eduardo's corner past Brad Friedel in the fourth minute.
And despite valiant attempts by both Blackburn's Brett Emerton and Arsenal player Alexander Hleb, the scorecard remained unchanged until Emmanuel Adebayor added a second goal in the 90th minute – having earlier been denied twice by Brad Friedel.
Throughout the match Mark Hughes' side showed solid defending in an attempt to protect their unbeaten league record for 2008.
Arsenal began the game at a quick pace – denying their opponents any chance to settle into the flow of the game.
Following Senderos' goal, Rovers tightened up and threatened to force an equaliser when Brett Emerton found space to cross the ball to Benni McCarthy but he failed to make any meaningful contact.
Roque Santa Cruz also missed an opportunity when he failed to reach a Stephen Warnock cross.
In the second half Arsenal regained their earlier control – with Hleb smashing a shot into the keeper's left post.
Adebayor made two attempts to score – both fought off by Friedel, who had a solid game – before he secured the win with a low shot from 12 yards in injury time.