Two goals from Thierry Henry and two more from fellow countrymen Patrick Vieira and Lauren helped Arsenal to a 4-1 win over Fulham at Highbury this afternoon. The North London club have now moved up to second spot and are within three points of leaders Manchester United following their impressive victory today.
Lauren gave the Gunners the lead after just five minutes but another Frenchman, Steve Marlet, equalised for Fulham just five minutes later. But a further five minutes after that, Arsenal were back in front through Vieira and on 36 minutes, more Gallic flair, this time from Henry, made it 3-1. Henry was on the mark for a second time just before the hour mark with the final goal of a one-sided encounter.
Southampton keeper Paul Jones helped the Saints to a point as they drew 0-0 at St Mary's with relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers. Although Rory Delap was sent off late on in the match, it made little difference to the outcome.
Derby County emerged victorious from their six-pointer with Leicester City at Filbert Street, coming away with a much-needed 3-0 win as they continue their battle with relegation. Georgi Kinkladze got the scoring underway in the 53rd minute and Branko Strupar made sure of three precious points by adding a second goal just after the hour while Lee Morris put it beyond all doubt with a third goal just before the final whistle.
Middlesbrough find themselves too close to the relegation zone for comfort after they went down 1-0 to West Ham at Upton Park. Frederic Kanoute fired home the winner on 76 minutes and to make matters worse Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying minutes.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
