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LONDON - Arsenal opened a five-point gap at the top of the English soccer premier league after taking advantage of the weekend wobbles of their title rivals by beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 today.
A Philippe Senderos header after four minutes and a cool finish in injury time by Emmanuel Adebayor, who has now scored in nine consecutive games, were a fair reward for Arsenal's dominance against a side who had lost only two of their previous 12 away games.
With 12 matches remaining Arsenal have 63 points to the 58 of Manchester United, who lost 1-2 at home to Manchester City yesterday. Chelsea are three points further back on 55 after their goalless draw with fifth-placed Liverpool, on 44.
Blackburn, who went into the game hard hit by injuries and suspensions, remain ninth.
Arsenal went ahead when Eduardo Da Silva swung in a corner and Switzerland captain Senderos rose unchallenged to head firmly home.
Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel saved well with his legs from Mathieu Flamini after 26 minutes as Arsenal looked comfortably in control, although Benni McCarthy could have levelled when he glanced a header wide after 40 minutes.
Arsenal looked re-energised after halftime and the tireless Alexander Hleb hit a post within four minutes while Friedel saved three times from Adebayor.
The home team almost seemed more keen on trying one more intricate pass instead of having a shot on goal and when Cesc Fabregas went clean through seven minutes from fulltime he tried an elaborate finish and put the ball over the bar.
It fell to Adebayor to show the way as the Togo striker collected a Hleb pass before producing a terrific finish for his 22nd goal of the season.
Arsenal can now sit back and enjoy their five-point cushion as they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend followed by AC Milan in the Champions League next week.
- REUTERS
