Arsenal Go Top of the Table, Liverpool Beat Spurs at Homecoming

In midweek Barclays Premier League action Arsenal came from two goals behind to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium, and are now at the top of the table on goal difference. Chelsea have played a game less though, and can go 3 points clear if they manage to win their game in hand. Liverpool overcame Tottenhan Hotspurs 2-0 at Anfield, and are currently only 1 point behind Spurs who occupy 4th spot.

Arsenal knew that if they could win with a 2 goal margin they would end the day leading the league standings, and they managed to do just that with some style. Bolton lost 2-0 to Arsenal just 4 days ago, and were keen to give a better account of themselves this time round. Gary Cahill scored from a corner, and Matthew Taylor scored from the penalty spot within the first half an hour to give the Trotters a shock 2 goal lead. Bolton have always been Arsenal's bogey side, and that combined with claims of Arsenal's lightweight immaturity were pointing towards an unexpected Arsenal defeat.

Tomas Rosicky scored just before halftime to give the Gunners a glimmer of hope, and the 2nd half promised to be a lively one. Pretty soon after the break Cesc Fabregas leveled the scores, (his 11th in the league this season), and in the 65th minute Thomas Vermaelen made it 3-2. Arsenal still went looking for that 4th goal and got it in the 85th minute through Andrey Arshavin. When Arsenal were thumped 3-0 by Chelsea in November it seemed their title hopes were over, but their unbeaten run since then coupled with Chelsea and Manchester United's stuttering form means the Gunners are firmly back in the frame now.

For Arsene Wenger, first position is some vindication for the many accusations that have been thrown at his team. They have managed to get tremendous results with their beautiful fluid play, and do not seem intimidated by the physicality of sides like Bolton now. Amazingly, they have done all this without the services of their 2 first choice strikers Robin Van Persie, and Nicklas Bendtner.

Elsewhere, Liverpool beat Spurs to reach within one point of 4th place. They knew that defeat in this game would leave them 7 points behind Spurs in the battle for the last Champions League spot, and at this stage of the season that would be a substantial difference to make up. They were without 3 of their most creative players, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun. All these makes this victory even more impressive.

Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring on 5 minutes, and scored again from the penalty spot in the 90th minute. He was playing the lone striker role, his natural position, and reminded Anfield that he is after all a striker. Spurs were pretty awful on the night and they continue their torrid run of being winless against any member of the 'Top Four' on their home turf for 66 games running. In their quest for 4th spot this is a major hurdle, as Liverpool are also firmly back in contention now.