Inconsistent Gunners received another setback in their Premier League title campaign, as they lost 2-0 at Emirates Stadium to Aston Villa.
Although Alumina made an excellent save to stop a first-half penalty off Ashley Young, an own goal from Gael Clichy and one from Gabriel Agbonlahor sealed the game for the touring side.
This is the second defeat for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. It has allowed Arsene Wenger’s men to move down the table.
Liverpool, on the back of goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerard, swept away the disappointment of a shocking exit from the Carling Cup by beating Bolton 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium.
Chelsea defeated West Brom 3-0 at The Hawthorns, as they continued to hold on to the top position in the leader board table.
Manchester United also registered a crushing 5-0 defeat over Stoke City in Old Trafford. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one each from Carrick, Berbatov and Danny Welback (England U-19 International), who scored on his debut, wrote the script for a comprehensive Red Devils’ victory.
Meanwhile at St. James Park, Joe Kinnear’s men almost came close to a win, but were denied by a late equalizer from Titus Bramble, former Newcastle’s old boy, that led to the game ending at 2-2.
Fulham continued their impressive run at home with a 2-1 win, as they handed the first defeat to Harry Redknapp’ stint at Spurs.
Roy Keane’s Sunderland also registered a win in the league. They defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park on the back of a goal from Cisse.
Portsmouth and West Ham United played a goalless draw at Upton Park. Although Zico’s men celebrated their first clean sheet in 25 games, their fans left the stadium minutes before the finish showing their disappointment with the team.
