AFP

London, Sep 30: Robin van Persie consolidated Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League as the Dutch striker’s goal clinched a 1-0 win at West Ham on Saturday.

Van Persie’s fourth goal of the season gave Arsene Wenger’s side their eighth consecutive victory and opened up a three point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Wenger’s team have been playing some of the most eye-catching football in Europe and they gave another demonstration of their style to take a 13th minute lead.

While Arsenal are unbeaten and enjoying a superb start to the season, their London rivals Chelsea endured a difficult 0-0 draw against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant saw John Terry forced off with a suspected fractured cheekbone after a challenge with Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and then had Didier Drogba sent off for two bookings in the second half. Dempsey and Paul Knochesky squandered chances to inflict a first home league defeat on Chelsea in 67 matches as Grant’s 10-men managed to hold on for a point that leaves them seven points behind Arsenal.

Yossi Benayoun came off the bench to give Liverpool a hard-fought 1-0 win at Wigan to send Liverpool into third. Manchester City’s dream start to the season gathered pace as Sven Goran Eriksson’s side fought back from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-1. Benjani Mwaruwari’s hat-trick gave Portsmouth a 7-4 win over Reading in a sensational game at Fratton Park.