Arsenal showed the spirit of champions to overcome the dismissal
of defender Thomas Vermaelen as they battled back to the top of
the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over struggling West Ham.
Brazilian midfielder Denilson fired the Gunners in front after
only five minutes as Arsene Wenger's men looked to leapfrog Manchester
United and Chelsea, who do not play until Sunday.
Vermaelen was then deemed to have been the last man when he pulled
down Guillermo Franco, and was shown a straight red card by referee
Martin Atkinson.
However, Manuel Almunia saved Alessandro Diamanti's penalty and
captain Cesc Fabregas - back from a injury lay-off - made it 2-0
with nine minutes left from the same spot following a handball by
Matthew Upson.
The Gunners could, of course, fall back down to third place should
both United and Chelsea win on Sunday, but after another brave display,
Wenger's youngsters remain very much in the hunt for a first title
since the `Invincibles' campaign of 2003/2004.
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