Arsenal stun Chelsea as United gain ground

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, Nov 30 - Arsenal stunned Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Sunday as two Robin van Persie goals earned the Gunners a 2-1 victory.

Johan Djourou's own goal gave Chelsea a halftime lead but Dutchman van Persie struck twice in three second-half minutes as Chelsea slid to a second home league defeat of the season.

Champions Manchester United are now just five points behind Chelsea with a game in hand after they won 1-0 at Manchester City despite having Cristiano Ronaldo sent off. Wayne Rooney poached United's winner just before halftime.

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 1-0 at home by Everton while Portsmouth beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Fratton Park.

Liverpool can now move three points clear at the top of the table Monday if they beat West Ham United at Anfield.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had refused to concede that his side's title challenge was over despite five league defeats and a 10-point deficit to the leaders.

The Frenchman's claims seemed wildly optimistic after 31 minutes when Arsenal went behind. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was guilty of a careless throw-out and after Chelsea won possession Jose Bosingwa's cross was turned in past Djourou.

Chelsea, already beaten at home by Liverpool, should have added to their lead before and after halftime with Frank Lampard twice going close.  Continued...