Van Persie continues rich vein of form

Premier League round-up: Arsenal’s rejuvenation continued when in-form captain Robin van Persie led the Gunners to a fourth-…

Premier League round-up:Arsenal's rejuvenation continued when in-form captain Robin van Persie led the Gunners to a fourth-straight league win as West Brom were brushed aside 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Dutch striker — who smashed a hat-trick to help beat Chelsea last weekend - put Arsene Wenger’s men ahead from close range (22) after Theo Walcott’s shot was saved by Ben Foster.

Thomas Vermaelen made it 2-0 five minutes before half-time, lashing in van Persie’s cutback, and Mikel Arteta (74) wrapped things up after more good work from the Arsenal captain.

Darren Bent struck twice as Aston Villa came from behind to beat Norwich 3-2 at Villa Park. Anthony Pilkington had put the visitors ahead on 25 minutes with a fine 20-yard free-kick.

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However, the lead did not last long as Agbonlahor’s penetrating run and cross allowed Darren Bent (30) to bundle home from close range.

Villa turned the match around at the start of the second half after Agbonlahor (48) latched onto a poor backpass from Leon Barnett to beat goalkeeper John Ruddy. The England winger then turned provider for Bent (62) to net again just after the hour.

Steve Morison’s header set up an anxious final 13 minutes for the hosts, but Villa closed out for all three points.

Liverpool were left frustrated as Swansea battled to a point in a goalless clash at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt thought he had snatched a late winner, only for assistant referee Sian Massey to make a fine offside call, while Michel Vorm made a fine reaction save from Glen Johnson to earn the visitors a share of the spoils

And Petr Cech recovered from a nosebleed to produce a string of fine saves as Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners at Blackburn.

Cech needed lengthy treatment after colliding with Ashley Cole in the first half, but showed few ill effects to deny Grant Hanley and then Yakubu after Frank Lampard (51) had headed in Branislav Ivanovic’s curling cross.

When Cech was beaten by a late header from Hanley, the ball came back off the crossbar.