Arsenal sink Blackpool to keep title bid alive

Arsenal got their challenge for the Premier League title back on track with a 3-1 win against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road yesterday.

Arsene Wenger’s side closed within seven points of leaders Manchester United as first half goals from Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue and a late strike from Robin van Persie clinched their first win in four league games.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher scored Blackpool’s goal on 52 minutes.

The Gunners will still believe they can catch United as they have a game in hand on Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who also have to travel to the Emirates Stadium for a potentially decisive clash on May 1.

Blackpool’s fourth defeat in five games left Ian Holloway’s men just one place above the drop zone.

Wenger said: “We are on a long unbeaten run and I knew we’d still have a chance if we won this game. We must win the game in hand. But let’s first win our next game against Liverpool on Sunday.”

Wenger was forced to give 41-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann his second Arsenal debut following his return from retirement after Manuel Almunia was ruled out during the warm-up.

The German gave a solid performance despite a few nervous moments and Wenger added: “Jens can be very proud. The way he practises every day is outstanding.

“He has helped the club win a big game and it will have an impact at the end of the season. He’s intelligent and committed.”

In yesterday’s other game, Aston Villa climbed away from the relegation zone and eased the pressure on boss Gerard Houllier with a 1-0 win over Newcastle at Villa Park.

Houllier’s team are five points clear of the bottom three after defender James Collins headed in Ashley Young’s free-kick in the 24th minute.

Villa were denied a second goal when Darren Bent’s effort was harshly ruled out for offside.

Summaries

Aston Villa 1
Collins 24;
Newcastle 0

HT: 1-0. Att: 37,090.

Blackpool 1
Taylor-Fletcher 52;
Arsenal 3
Diaby 18; Eboue 21; Van Persie 76;

HT: 0-2. Att: 16,030.

Playing today
Liverpool-Man. City - 21:00