Robin van Persie's first-half header gave Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United at Upton Park as the Gunners maintained their supremacy in the Premiership. The Dutch striker rose above two defenders to head home Alexander Hleb's pinpoint cross from the right-hand side after 13 minutes. He could have doubled the lead nine minutes after re-start when his shot from the edge of the area struck the post after Robert Green finger-tipped it. The hosts had a chance to equalize when Dean Ashton met Lee Bowyer's cross at the far post but his header went straight into Manuel Almunia's hands. Shortly after, Freddie Ljungberg scored against his old club Arsenal but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Andriy Shevchenko couldn't help Chelsea Arsenal are in charge of the league table with 19 points, three ahead of surprise package Manchester City, who occupied second place after defeating Newcastle United 3-1. Chelsea's misery following Jose Mourinho's departure continued after they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Blues, who haven't won a single game in the league since their 1-0 victory over Portsmouth last month, played the last 15 minutes with 10 men on the field as Didier Drogba was sent off for a second bookable offense. Liverpool returned to winning ways after edging Wigan 1-0 at JJB Stadium. Israeli international Yossi Benayoun notched the winner in the 75th minute as Liverpool got their campaign back on track after they were held to two successive draws.
