LONDON: Arsenal stretched their Premier League lead to four points when they were gifted a 2-0 home victory over third-placed Southampton on Saturday following a laughable blunder by visiting goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
Southampton, beaten only once previously this season and with the league’s best defence, were holding their own at the Emirates until Polish international Boruc tried to dummy his way past Olivier Giroud in the 22nd minute and was dispossessed to hand the Frenchman a goal. Arsenal then completed the win with a late Giroud penalty and have 28 points now.
Earlier, the first chance of the game almost produced a goal as Jack Wilshere surged into the box and his delicate chip towards the back post got the faintest of touches from Southampton ‘keeper Boruc who deflected the strike onto the post and away to safety. In the 17th minute the Gunners hit the woodwork again as Mesut Ozil cut in from the right and found Aaron Ramsey with a delicate cross. The Welsh international performed a terrific back heel flick towards which looked to be going in but clipped the far post.
Shortly after Southampton shot themselves in the foot with an absolute howler from Polish goalkeeper Boruc. The ball was played back to him and instead of launching it upfield or out of play, he tried a Cruyff turn to get around Olivier Giroud three times before he was dispossessed by the French striker who then tapped home the opener into an empty net.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United continued their great run as they followed up victories over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-1 home win over Norwich City to move to 20 points alongside champions Manchester United and Spurs, who are both in action on Sunday at Cardiff City and Manchester City respectively.
Chelsea, in fourth place on 21 points, play at lowly West Ham United later on Saturday and can move above Southampton who remain in third spot on 22 points after their defeat.
Stoke City beat 10-man Sunderland 2-0, after the visitors had defender Wes Brown sent off in the first half, while Swansea City won 2-1 at struggling Fulham whoa re in the drop zone.
Crystal Palace climbed off the bottom and above Sunderland as they collected their first away points of the season with a 1-0 victory at Hull City, with Tony Pulis, confirmed as their new manager earlier on Saturday, watching from the stands. (Agencies)