Arsenal draw marred by Eduardo's broken leg

Leaders Arsenal suffered a double blow at 10-man Birmingham City yesterday, conceding a stoppage-time penalty in a 2-2 draw and striker Eduardo da Silva breaking his left leg.

James McFadden equalised for Birmingham with a 95th minute penalty after Theo Walcott's first league goals for Arsenal in the second half had put the Londoners 2-1 ahead and on course for an eight-point lead in the title race.

The match was overshadowed by a third-minute tackle by Martin Taylor on Eduardo. The Croatia international needed around 10 minutes of treatment before being taken to hospital with an oxygen mask over his mouth.

Taylor was shown a straight red card before McFadden gave Birmingham a surprise half-time lead from a free-kick.

Kicking off later, champions Manchester United seized their chance to reduce Arsenal's lead to three points when they thrashed Newcastle United 5-1 away from home - Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both scoring twice.

Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick for Liverpool in a 3-2 home victory over Middlesbrough that moved them above Everton into fourth place.

Portsmouth beat Sunderland 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Jermain Defoe while Wigan Athletic overcame bottom club Derby County 2-0.

Fulham remained deep in trouble after conceding a late goal in a 1-0 home defeat by West Ham United.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to blame Taylor after watching his side drop vital points.

"The tackle was horrendous and this guy (Taylor) should never play football again," Wenger said. "The minimum is that the season is over (for Eduardo) and we're scared it is much longer."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish defended Taylor for the tackle which did not appear too reckless but left Eduardo with such a severe injury Sky Sports television refused to show replays.

"Martin is distraught," said McLeish. "It's not in his nature to commit a malicious tackle."

United made sure Arsenal's misery was complete, dismissing a lame challenge from a Newcastle side who are yet to win since Kevin Keegan returned as manager last month.

Rooney tapped in United's opener after 25 minutes and Ronaldo made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Ronaldo took his tally for the season to 29 when he took the ball round keeper Steve Harper. Abdoulaye Faye reduced the deficit but Rooney responded with a sublime curled finish and substitute Louis Saha completed the rout after a run from Rooney.