Gunners shoot down Reds
Flamini's opener set Arsenal on course for three points
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Sunday, 12, Nov 2006 06:50
Arsenal have climbed to third in the table after hammering Liverpool 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Rare goals from Mathieu Flamini, Kolo Toure, and William Gallas gave the Gunners their first win in three league games.
The Reds had two goals ruled out for offside as any faint hopes of a title challenge were crushed by the Gunners.
Jens Lehmann went home before kick-off with a throat illness and was replaced by Manuel Almunia while Bolo Zenden replaced the injured Momo Sissoko for the visitors.
Arsene Wenger's side made an explosive start to the game and had the ball in the back of the net after two minutes.
But Robin Van Persie's goal was disallowed after the Dutchman deliberately used his hand to poke the ball past goalkeeper Jose Reina.
12 minutes later, Liverpool had a goal ruled out with Peter Crouch given offside after tapping in Xabi Alonso's cross from three yards.
After continuing to have most of the possession, the Gunners took the lead on 41 minutes when Fabregas' cross was converted by Flamini for only his second Premiership goal.
Despite a strong start to the second half by the Reds, Arsenal doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Van Persie found Toure with a pinpoint pass with the centre-back sliding the ball under Reina.
Bolo Zenden should have reduced Liverpool's deficit on 58 minutes after heading over the bar from Steven Gerrard's free kick.
Former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Pennant came on for Mark Gonzalez on the hour mark to a chorus of boos from the home side.
Play was halted for a few minutes after referee Mark Clattenberg collapsed on 72 minutes when the ball hit his nether regions and he required treatment from the physio.
Liverpool's miserable afternoon was completed on 80 minutes when some slack marking allowed Arsenal to bag a third.
Gallas ghosted past Gerrard to head in Van Persie's corner which led to a heated argument between the Liverpool skipper and Zenden over the marking.
Three minutes later, substitute Bellamy headed in Pennant's cross but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The result sees Rafael Benitez's side remain in ninth place, 14 points behind leaders Manchester United.