Arsenal could not find the goals today and paid the price as they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates stadium. Arsenal dominated the early stages but could find no way past the Blues until Stephen Kelly was adjudged by referee Phil Dowd to have fouled Eduardo in the box in the 21st minute – and Adebayor slotted in the resulting spot-kick. The Gunners could not hold their lead, though, Garry O’Connor’s header from a corner levelling the match only three minutes after the break.
Which means that Manchester United had a chance to go top of the league if they won their match against Newcastle United. And they did just that as Cristiano Ronaldo notched a goal for the Red Devils, who were in blistering form, while Carlos Tevez struck twice and Rio Ferdinand was also on target at Old Trafford as Newcastle, reeling after Harry Redknapp rejected the chance to become their manager, were dismantled after keeping their hosts goalless in the first half.
In other matches, West Ham beat Fulham 2-1, Chelsea beat Tottemham 2-0, Liverpool managed to salvage a draw against Middlesborough, Aston Villa beat Reading 3-1 and Everton beat Manchester City 1-0.