London: Arsenal reasserted their title credentials with an impressive 2-0 victory over Liverpool that sent them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table late on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger had seen his side beaten by Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea in their last two home games, but they prevailed through goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey to confirm their role as the team to beat.
Liverpool arrived at the Emirates hoping to leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the table, but the hosts took a 19th-minute lead when Cazorla hooked home after an initial header came back off the post.
The irrepressible Ramsey added a second just before the hour with a glorious strike, lifting a half-volley into the top-left corner from 20 yards to take his tally of goals to 10 in all competitions.
Arsenal were largely untroubled as they increased their advantage over second-place Chelsea and third-place Liverpool to five points. (AFP)