LONDON: Leaders Liverpool stayed eight points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League title race yesterday after the sides drew 1-1 in an outstanding match at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men after 62 minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off for a second yellow card after raising an elbow to Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa. But the visitors failed to take advantage with the extra man as Arsenal continued to press forward looking for the winner.
Robin van Persie fired Arsenal ahead with a stunning strike in the 24th minute before Robbie Keane equalized for the league leaders with an equally fine drive three minutes before halftime.
Liverpool top the table with 39 points from 18 games, followed by Chelsea (37 from 17) and Aston Villa (34 from 18).
Manchester United, who won the World Club Cup final in Japan on Sunday, are fourth with 32 points from 16 games. Arsenal remain fifth with 31 points from their 18 games.
Both of yesterday’s other Premier League games ended with last-minute winners for the home team as Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 and bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich Albion beat Manchdester City by the same score at The Hawthorns.
Sevilla edge up to second with draw in Mallorca
In Madrid, Sevilla were held to a 0-0 draw away to struggling Real Mallorca but climbed into second place in the Primera Liga yesterday.
Manolo Jimenez’s side, who were knocked out of the UEFA Cup during the week, put in a listless display and Luis Fabiano headed their best chance against the bar in the first half. Sevilla have 31 points from 16 games, seven short of runaway leaders Barcelona, who were playing Villarreal at the Madrigal later.
Atletico Madrid are third with 30 points, above Valencia on goal difference after their 3-2 win at Espanyol on Saturday, when Valencia lost 1-0 at Real Madrid.
