Premiership full-time round-up

Arsenal banished all memories of last week's 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United as they emerged 3-0 victors in their London derby against West Ham. The hero for the Gunners was Sylvain Wiltord who hit a first-half hat-trick against an under-strength Hammers side.

His first goal came inside the opening six minutes when Stuart Pearce's header landed at the feet of Robert Pires. His first-time pass found Wiltord who beat Hislop with a low shot. Wiltord bagged his second in the 13th minute after he chested the ball down which then bounced off the unfortunate Pearce to set up Wiltord perfectly for a cracking 15-yard shot past the hapless Hislop. His third and final strike came in the 37th minute when Fredrik Ljungberg played through a perfect pass for Wiltord to run on to and nudge past the advancing Hislop for his 11th goal of the season.

Coventry have now failed to win in their last nine Premiership matches but today managed to earn a point against Chelsea as they continue their battle to avoid relegation. Gordon Strachan's side were lucky not to end the day in defeat as Chelsea went close on several occasions with Gianfranco Zola's free-kick hitting the bar and fellow substitute Mario Stanic hitting just over in the final minute. However, Coventry did have a penalty claim denied when it appeared that Frank Leboeuf handled but referee Steve Bennett ignored their pleas.

Two goals from Belgian international Branko Strupar - one a spot-kick - gave Derby County a much-needed victory today over visitors Tottenham Hotspur. Although Derby took an early lead through Strupar's double strike, they faced a tough task to maintain their advantage as the Londoners fought back in an attempt to earn something from this encounter. In the 70th minute an own goal by Taribo West gave Spurs the impetus they dearly needed and Derby faced a fraught final 20 minutes as Andy Booth, Ledley King and substitute Steffen Iversen all coming close and Irish international Gary Doherty heading just over the bar from a Tim Sherwood free-kick. However, Derby deserved their victory although it could be too little too late in their fight to beat the drop.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Everton's David Unsworth who first of all scored a bizarre own goal to give Newcastle the lead at Goodison but then grabbed the opportunity to make amends when Everton were awarded a penalty after Steve Caldwell fouled Kevin Campbell inside the area. Unsworth stepped up to coolly slot the ball past Shay Given and earn Everton a vital point as they attempt to escape the relegation battle.

Manchester City are now looking very likely for the drop as they succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Southampton today. Glenn Hoddle's side have not conceded a goal in the Premiership since New Year's Day and they upheld that proud record today with a convincing if unspectacular performance against a struggling City side. Dan Petrescu was the hero for Southampton scoring in the 55th minute with their first shot on target to earn the Saints their first Premiership victory over City.

Finally, Middlesbrough and Charlton played out a scoreless draw at The Riverside. It was a dour encounter with few chances of note although Charlton started brightly and should have taken the lead but Shaun Bartlett and Jonatan Johansson both wasted good scoring opportunities.

Filed by Amanda Fennelly