Arsenal regains margin at the top

ARSENAL powered five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a stylish 3-0 win at Fulham, while Casemiro was sent off as Manchester United was held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton.

Second-placed Manchester City had closed the gap with victory at Crystal Palace but the Gunners responded with the kind of display that has been the hallmark of their unexpected title charge.

First-half goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard – all set up by Leandro Trossard – put Arsenal on course for a fifth consecutive league win.

With 11 league games left, the north Londoners have the title in their sights. Since being knocked out of pole position after a loss to City, which came during a run of four games without a win, Arsenal has shown the mettle of a potential champion.

It was Arsenal’s 11th win from 14 away league matches this season, underlining the durability and maturity that has the side in position to claim the title for the first time since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2004.

At Old Trafford, Casemiro’s dismissal forced third-placed United to settle for a drab stalemate against bottom-ofthe-table Southampton.

United is unbeaten in its past 22 home games but this was a limp performance in its first league match since the previous weekend’s humiliating 7-0 defeat at Liverpool.

The Brazil midfielder’s booking for a high challenge on Carlos Alcaraz in the 34th minute was changed to a red card following a VAR check.

It was the former Real Madrid star’s second sending off in eight appearances and he faces a four-match suspension.

Newcastle climbed above Liverpool into fifth place with a 2-1 win against Wolves at St James’ Park. West Ham was booed off despite moving out of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the London Stadium.