Chelsea stay unbeaten

CHELSEA remained on top of the Premier League as Juan Mata inspired them to a 2-1 win over London rivals Arsenal yesterday.

Roberto di Matteo’s side are three points clear of second-placed Everton, who maintained their promising form with a 3-1 home win over Southampton.

Unsurprisingly, Chelsea captain John Terry endured taunts from Arsenal fans after this week’s Football Association verdict he was guilty of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match last October.

But Terry had the last laugh as visitors Chelsea, unbeaten in the league this season, handed the Gunners their first league defeat of the campaign.

Chelsea took the lead in the 20th minute at the Emirates Stadium when Spain forward Fernando Torres volleyed in Mata’s free-kick.

Arsenal equalised in the 42nd minute when Ivory Coast forward Gervinho turned in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross.

But Mata put the European champions back in front as the Spanish midfielder’s 53rd-minute curling free-kick glanced in off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

“It was a big challenge to play against a quality side like Arsenal,” said Chelsea manager di Matteo.

“Fernando Torres was excellent. It was right to pick John Terry, he showed his leadership again today.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger slammed a poor defensive display that will raise fresh questions about whether the Gunners, without a major trophy in seven years, are genuine title contenders.

“I am deeply disappointed,” the Frenchman said. We gave two cheap goals away. It is unacceptable to give goals like that away in the big games.”

Brendan Rodgers enjoyed his first Premier League win as Liverpool manager, with Luis Suarez scoring his second hat-trick in as many seasons at Carrow Road during a 5-2 win away to Norwich that took the Reds out of the bottom three.

Uruguay striker Suarez needed just two minutes to score and he made it 2-0 in the 38th minute.

Turkey international Nuri Sahin added a third goal early in the second half before Suarez completed his treble with a curling shot in the 57th minute.

Norwich’s Steve Morison scored four minutes later before Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard made it 5-1 with a deflected shot.

Grant Holt pulled a second goal back for the Canaries.

Everton remained the top team on Merseyside after Nikica Jelavic scored twice in a 3-1 home win over Southampton.

Saints’ 12 million (RM60 million) record signing Gaston Ramirez gave the visitors the lead, the Uruguayan striker scoring his first goal for the club with a header before Leon Osman equalised for Everton.

Croatia striker Jelavic then made it 11 goals in 13 matches before half-time with a shot and a header.

Reigning champions Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 away to Fulham with substitute Edin Dzeko scoring the winner three minutes from time moments after being brought on by Roberto Mancini.

Mladen Petric gave Fulham a 10th minute lead from the penalty spot after Pablo Zabaleta fouled John Arne Riise before Sergio Aguero drew City level in the 43rd minute. AFP

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