Chelsea 5 – 0 Sunderland

• 1-0 Alex, 27′
• 2-0 Anelka, 30′
• 3-0 Anelka, 45′
• 4-0  Lampard, 45′
• 5-0 Anelka, 53′

Back at the top of the table. It feels good, even if it’s only due to goal differential with Liverpool. Things look good at the moment, despite the tie on points, because Chelsea have been performing at a generally higher level across the board than Liverpool, pummeling opponents and not having to grit out tough wins nearly as often. Granted, the Reds did break the unbeaten streak at Stamford Bridge, which is certainly something to ponder, but for now it’s all good for Scolari and the boys.

Anelka had a great match – nothing really spectacular, but always in the right place at the right time and capitalizing on his opportunities, something he has not always done so easily. John Obi Mikel was a rock in the midfield yet again. I can’t believe I used to think this guy was good for nothing besides red cards. I would have thought losing Michael Essien would have hurt them more, but not with Mikel to pick up the slack.

And as for how I can root simultaneously for Arsenal and Chelsea, even I don’t know. Arsenal is definitely my team, but pulling for Chelsea as well has helped ease the pain of being a Gunners fan, especially lately. It started because I hated Man Utd and was desperate to see someone – anyone – beat them out for the Premiereship title a few years back. Chelsea was the only one who could possibly do it, so they became my back-up team. A salve for my Arsenal-inflected wounds, to be sure.

Here’s a link to the highlights.

Sunderland 1 – 1 Arsenal

I didn’t get to see this game as it wasn’t televised here, but the result is enough. What is with all the up and down performances from the Gunners? They play brilliant games in other tournaments, then come back and slog it out in their Premier League matches. Remember the 6-0 Carling Cup match with a squad that had an average age of 19? That was followed up by a 1-2 loss to friggin’ Hull City. After much hand wringing and talk of overhauling the lineup, next to no changes were made and they romped Porto 4-0 in Champions League play. Now, after seemingly righting the ship, they only just managed to pull off a tie with Fabregas’ extra time header. Yeah, they had a goal incorrectly disallowed and Sunderland stuck to their game plan of hanging back well, but is this or is this not the same team that has dispatched much bigger opposition with apparent ease? Oh well. One point is better than none.

Saturday EPL Results

Sunderland 2 – 0 Middlesbrough

• Sunderland started the game dismally, but after Stewart Downing sent a penalty kick over the cross bar, Sunderland were re-energized and Chopra scored both goals in the last ten minutes to give them the win.

West Ham 3 – 1 Newcastle

• West Ham’s new manager Gianfranco Zola got a win with two goals and an assist from David Di Michele. Owen scored Newcastle’s goal, but it wasn’t nearly enough. The Magpies continue to look awful.

Blackburn 1 – 0 Fulham

• This hard-nosed battle wasn’t won until the 84th minute. Carlos Villanueva sent in a nice cross from the left side which Roque Santa Cruz headed down into dangerous territory, and Matt Derbyshire knocked it home. Blackburn manager Ince looked good for bringing in both Villanueva and Derbyshire as subs late in the game.

Liverpool 0 – 0 Stoke City

• Steven Gerrard struck one in off a direct kick from the left side, but the goal was disallowed for an apparent “off side” call. Kuyt was near the goal line, but the call was dubious, even according to the Stoke manager after the game. Liverpool kept the pressure on, but they just couldn’t pull the trigger, especially Torres. It was a disappointing draw that let Arsenal slip by them into first place.

Bolton 1 – 3 Arsenal

• Arsenal played pretty impressively in this one, especially in the first half. They had myriad chances to score early goals, but Bolton grabbed the lead first on a header by Kevin Davies off a corner kick in the 14th minute. It was weak defending on the set piece, but Arsenal immediately turned around and put them under pressure. They saw a couple go off the woodwork, but eventually (three minutes later) Eboue put one in from the left side off a pass from Bendtner. It was Eboue’s first Premier League goal, and he played aggressively the rest of the way, looking to duplicate it. Bendtner then scored one himself off some nice, Arsenal style build-up play. Bolton upped the pressure in the second half, but Almunia especially played well, taking balls decisively and making some nice saves, and Arsenal added a third goal by Denilson which was set up by a blazing run by Theo Walcott. I suppose they could have played some stouter defense in the second half, but all around it was a good win for Arsenal, and it put them back at the top of the table. The low point of the match was a harsh foul (which only earned a yellow card) by Kevin Davies which sent Clichy out of the game with a bad-looking leg injury. (Update: Clichy suffered only bruising to his shin, with no fracture. Whew.)