Premiership Round Up
Premiership leaders Arsenalopened up a five-point gap over champions Manchester United after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Southamptonat Highbury tonight.
It was a far from vintage display from the Gunners and once again they were indebted to the prolific Thierry Henry with two superb goals to take his Premiership total to 101.
The French striker opened the scoring midway through the first half after outstripping Darren Kenton down the left and firing under the body of Antii Niemi.
The scoreline was harsh on Saints, who had claims for a first-half penalty when keeper Jens Lehmann collided with Brett Ormerod.
They had further chances after the break but were eventually outdone by Henry a minute from time.
Robert Pires escaped down the right and, though Gilberto Silva completely missed the cut-back, it ran to Henry who sidestepped a defender and lashed the ball into the top corner for the crucial second.
At the other end of the table, bottom club Leeds Unitedgave their fans hope of survival after a thrilling 4-1 win over fellow strugglers Wolves.
In front of a buzzing near-37,000 Elland Road, Alan Smith gave the home side a 14th-minute lead from close range.
But Wolves levelled seven minutes later when keeper Paul Robinson allowed a 22-yard low drive from Vio Ganea to beat his outstretched arm.
But Smith, who was at the heart of much of Leeds' attacking momentum, headed on Didier Domi's free kick just before the break.
When keeper Paul Jones could only punch it out to the edge of the box, Dominic Matteo rifled home the loose ball.
On the hour mark, a superb turn and low cross by Smith found James Milner unmarked at the far post and the youngster stabbed the ball joyfully into the roof of the net.
Mark Viduka sealed the victory with a brilliant individual goal in the final minute. The result hauled Leeds off the bottom with Wolves replacing them on goal difference.
Leicesteredged one point ahead in third bottom after a 1-1 draw with Boltonwho moved up to eighth.
Les Ferdinand put the Foxes ahead with a close-range shot after Bolton keeper Jussi Jaasakalainen had parried the striker's header. But Bolton levelled just after the half-hour mark thanks to a horrendous howler by Leicester keeper Ian Walker.
He appeared to have blocked Kevin Davies' volley but allowed the ball to squirm under his legs and over the line.
edged one point ahead in third bottom after a 1-1 draw with Bolton, who moved up to eighth.