Draw at Stamford Bridge leaves Gunners on top

Arsenal were in irresistible form at the Reebok on Saturday, overturning an early Kevin Davies goal to run out 3-1 winners. They looked like the Gooners of last season and, while they’re back on top, the fear is that once again there are too many babies in the side.

On current form the only sides who possess their sleek passing game are Chelsea and the new kids on the billionaires’ block, Manchester City. Goals from Eboue, Bendtner and Denilson late on were enough to seal the points.

Having watched that game earlier I was treated to another typical Rafa Benitez Liverpool performance. Despite a very early Steve Gerrard goal, which was disallowed (outrageously), the Merseysiders huffed and puffed but never blew a very suspect Stoke defence down.

Tony Pullis, the Stoke manager, must have thought Christmas had come early: long-range effort after long-range effort as their desperation at lacking a cutting-edge grew. Perhaps a bit of width might assist, or better yet a new manager. It is Benitez’s inability to nail down results against teams lower down the league that promises to ensure the 18-year drought will continue.

The long-awaited battle of Stamford Bridge between the champions and a Chelsea side unbeaten at home for four years never let us down. Manchester United dominated the opening period with Park giving them the half-time lead. In the second half, Chelsea came back strongly and, if Anelka could concentrate, the points would have stayed at home. As it is, it was left to a late header by Kalou to seal the draw.

Earlier I had watched a spirited display by West Brom in the Midlands derby where 60 seconds of madness saw them concede two goals and the points to Aston Villa. The Baggies have endeavour but very little else to recommend what is sure to be a long fight to avoid the drop. Going behind to goals from Carew and Agbonlahor, they went into the break 1-2 down thanks to getting a goal back through Morrisson. That’s where the recovery ended.

I also watched Portsmouth walk into the hiding of the season so far. Not only in terms of the 6-0 score line handed out by Manchester City, but also in the way they were torn to shreds. David James had no price as Wright-Phillips, Jo and Robinho ran the Portsmouth defence ragged. Tony Adams and Harry Redknapp looked as though they wanted the earth to open and swallow them up whole.

Other results saw Sunderland win the derby against Middlesbrough 2-0, Hull throw away a 2-0 lead against Everton to draw 2-2, Spurs draw 0-0 with Wigan at White Hart Lane, West Ham with Zola as manager beat a Keegan-less Newcastle 3-1 and Blackburn edge Fulham 1-0.

All of this means that Arsenal are a point clear of Chelsea and Liverpool at the top while Spurs, Newcastle and Stoke occupy the bottom three places.

What price Juande Ramos for the chop?