( dpa )- Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the English Premier League on Monday as they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to open up a five-point lead over champions Manchester United.
Philippe Senderos headed them in front inside four minutes and Emmanuel Adebayor sealed the three points with the second goal in injury time.
After Manchester United's defeat at home by neighbours Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal needed to avoid a slip-up and they made the perfect start with an early goal.
Eduardo forced a corner and took it himself. As Blackburn's defence went to sleep, Senderos powered a header past Brad Freidel.
Friedel made a good save to stop Mathieu Flamini from doubling their lead and Blackburn came into the match as the half progressed, with David Bentley particularly lively.
Alexander Hleb smashed a shot onto the post three minutes after half-time and Emmanuel Adebayor forced another good save out of the American Friedel.
Blackburn had quite a lot of the play but failed to create a really clear-cut chance and Adebayor finally made sure of the points with his 19th goal of the season.