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..::Football III::..
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Football Thread 1ke Hamotama Suba Nawa Wasarak Wewa!!!
same to you dear..!
Manchester United 1-2 Tottenham: Adebayor & Eriksen see Spurs leapfrog Moyes' men
Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen gave new Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood a third win in four matches as they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Togo striker Adebayor opened the scoring in the 34th minute when he met an Eriksen cross, becoming only the third player to score in three consecutive games at the home of the Red Devils.
Eriksen doubled their lead in the 66th minute with a well-placed header after beating his marker, but Danny Welbeck brought United back into the game with his seventh goal of the campaign a minute later.
That set up a tense finish as United pushed hard for an equaliser and threw everything forward in the closing stages.
But chances for substitute Chicharito, Adnan Januzaj and Welbeck were all wasted as United slipped to seventh - 11 points behind leaders Arsenal - and saw their Premier League title hopes suffer a potentially fatal blow.
David Moyes made four changes in attacking positions to the United line-up from their victory over Norwich, with Wayne Rooney and Welbeck returning up front.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose returned in the full-back positions for the visitors, with Etienne Capoue replacing the injured Paulinho in midfield.
Welbeck and Chris Smalling both had early chances for the hosts as United attacked down the right, but Hugo Lloris made good saves to keep Tottenham in the game.
The visitors had a fantastic chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute through Aaron Lennon, but the winger wasted a perfect throughball from Roberto Soldado as he fired straight at David De Gea.
With their next attack, in the 34th minute, Sherwood's side opened the scoring through Adebayor netting his third league goal of the season.
Eriksen raced down the right before delivering a perfect cross towards the back post, where Adebayor rose unmarked to score.
They should have doubled their lead five minutes later with another attack on the right.
This time, Lennon raced past Patrice Evra and played a low cross into the unmarked Soldado, but the Spaniard kneed the ball wide from six yards.
After a quiet start to the second half, the visitors doubled their lead in the 66th minute as Eriksen netted his second goal in three games.
The Dane anticipated the flight of a deflected Lennon cross far better than Antonio Valencia, stealing in front of the United man to head past De Gea from five yards.
However, United halved the deficit immediately through Welbeck.
Januzaj played a neat pass behind the Tottenham defence for the striker, and he latched onto the ball and calmly lifted it over Lloris.
The goal woke United up and Januzaj had a fantastic chance to level the game late on, but his long-range effort curled just wide of Lloris' right hand post.
That sparked a flurry of late chances to level, the best of which fell to Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, but they both found Lloris in excellent form as he saved well.
Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen gave new Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood a third win in four matches as they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Togo striker Adebayor opened the scoring in the 34th minute when he met an Eriksen cross, becoming only the third player to score in three consecutive games at the home of the Red Devils.
Eriksen doubled their lead in the 66th minute with a well-placed header after beating his marker, but Danny Welbeck brought United back into the game with his seventh goal of the campaign a minute later.
That set up a tense finish as United pushed hard for an equaliser and threw everything forward in the closing stages.
But chances for substitute Chicharito, Adnan Januzaj and Welbeck were all wasted as United slipped to seventh - 11 points behind leaders Arsenal - and saw their Premier League title hopes suffer a potentially fatal blow.
David Moyes made four changes in attacking positions to the United line-up from their victory over Norwich, with Wayne Rooney and Welbeck returning up front.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose returned in the full-back positions for the visitors, with Etienne Capoue replacing the injured Paulinho in midfield.
Welbeck and Chris Smalling both had early chances for the hosts as United attacked down the right, but Hugo Lloris made good saves to keep Tottenham in the game.
The visitors had a fantastic chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute through Aaron Lennon, but the winger wasted a perfect throughball from Roberto Soldado as he fired straight at David De Gea.
With their next attack, in the 34th minute, Sherwood's side opened the scoring through Adebayor netting his third league goal of the season.
Eriksen raced down the right before delivering a perfect cross towards the back post, where Adebayor rose unmarked to score.
They should have doubled their lead five minutes later with another attack on the right.
This time, Lennon raced past Patrice Evra and played a low cross into the unmarked Soldado, but the Spaniard kneed the ball wide from six yards.
After a quiet start to the second half, the visitors doubled their lead in the 66th minute as Eriksen netted his second goal in three games.
The Dane anticipated the flight of a deflected Lennon cross far better than Antonio Valencia, stealing in front of the United man to head past De Gea from five yards.
However, United halved the deficit immediately through Welbeck.
Januzaj played a neat pass behind the Tottenham defence for the striker, and he latched onto the ball and calmly lifted it over Lloris.
The goal woke United up and Januzaj had a fantastic chance to level the game late on, but his long-range effort curled just wide of Lloris' right hand post.
That sparked a flurry of late chances to level, the best of which fell to Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, but they both found Lloris in excellent form as he saved well.
Crystal Palace 1-1 Norwich: Puncheon pounces to earn crucial point
Jason Puncheon's first-half penalty earned a point for Crystal Palace as they drew 1-1 with 10-man Norwich Cityat Selhurst Park.
Palace went into the game having lost all 13 Premier League matches in which they had conceded first this season and they had to do things the hard way again after Bradley Johnson gave Norwich a 39th-minute lead.
Things should have got even tougher for the hosts before half time as Marouane Chamakh raised his hand to Wes Hoolahan's face, but the Moroccan only received a yellow card.
Palace made the most of that let-off, as they headed into the break level when Puncheon converted from the spot after Mile Jedinak had been fouled.
The second half saw the home side generally dominate, but after Cameron Jerome had missed a good chance to put them ahead, they struggled to find a way through Norwich's resolute defence.
Palace were unlucky not to get another penalty late on before Leroy Fer was dismissed for a second bookable offence, but the hosts could not make the most of their man advantage.
Both managers made two changes from their respective narrow defeats at the hands of the Manchester clubs last time out, with Kagisho Dikgacoi and Chamakh returning for Palace, while Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker came back into the Norwich defence.
After a slow start, an error by Norwich left-back Martin Olsson in the 30th minute presented Palace with a chance, as Puncheon stole possession and crossed to the back post, but Jerome fired over from close range.
Jason Puncheon's first-half penalty earned a point for Crystal Palace as they drew 1-1 with 10-man Norwich Cityat Selhurst Park.
Palace went into the game having lost all 13 Premier League matches in which they had conceded first this season and they had to do things the hard way again after Bradley Johnson gave Norwich a 39th-minute lead.
Things should have got even tougher for the hosts before half time as Marouane Chamakh raised his hand to Wes Hoolahan's face, but the Moroccan only received a yellow card.
Palace made the most of that let-off, as they headed into the break level when Puncheon converted from the spot after Mile Jedinak had been fouled.
The second half saw the home side generally dominate, but after Cameron Jerome had missed a good chance to put them ahead, they struggled to find a way through Norwich's resolute defence.
Palace were unlucky not to get another penalty late on before Leroy Fer was dismissed for a second bookable offence, but the hosts could not make the most of their man advantage.
Both managers made two changes from their respective narrow defeats at the hands of the Manchester clubs last time out, with Kagisho Dikgacoi and Chamakh returning for Palace, while Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker came back into the Norwich defence.
After a slow start, an error by Norwich left-back Martin Olsson in the 30th minute presented Palace with a chance, as Puncheon stole possession and crossed to the back post, but Jerome fired over from close range.
Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa: Agbonlahor earns Lambert a first win in seven games
Gabriel Agbonlahor's first-half strike relieved some of the pressure on Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert as they won 1-0 at Sunderland.
The striker capitalised on a calamitous mistake from Lee Cattermole to score his third goal of the season and end a run of five matches without a win for his side.
Cattermole lost control of a pass from Valentin Roberge 25 yards from goal and Agbonlahor picked up the loose ball before coolly rounding Vito Mannone and slotting home.
The closest the hosts came was through Fabio Borini, who saw an effort disallowed for offside shortly after half-time, with Gus Poyet's side otherwise restricted to shots from range as they fell to their first defeat in five league games.
Villa made two alterations with Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke returning from respective calf and knee injuries, while Sunderland brought Jack Colback and Steven Fletcher in after their goalscoring heroics at Cardiff City on Saturday, the Scot going closest early on after being played in by Emanuele Giaccherini in the seventh minute.
But it was the visitors who went in front after 15 minutes as Cattermole miscontrolled just outside the area, allowing Agbonlahor to nip in, round Mannone and slide the ball into an empty net.
The visitors were indebted to Vlaar for denying Colback, playing his 100th Sunderland game, as the hosts responded immediately before Leandro Bacuna almost doubled the lead three minutes later, firing just wide of the post after a driving run down the left.
Villa went close again in the 25th minute, Agbonlahor testing Mannone with a fierce drive after linking up with Benteke on the edge of the box before last-ditch defending saved Villa once more three minutes before the break; the Belgian getting in the way of Ji Dong-Won's effort from 10 yards.
The visitors continued to threaten after the interval, Bacuna's 30-yard effort taking a wicked deflection off Roberge which caused Mannone to scramble to his left and parry behind.
Borini, a half-time substitute in place of Cattermole, had a goal ruled out in the 52nd minute, the striker straying half a yard offside when getting on the end of Ji's knock down.
In the 72nd minute, Benteke came close to ending his run of 11 matches without a goal, curling the ball beyond Mannone only to see Phil Bardsley head the ball off the line.
The hosts struggled to make any inroads into the Villa defence and it was the visitors who looked more likely to snatch a second on the counter-attack, substitute Marc Albrighton blazing over the crossbar when clear on goal with eight minutes remaining, but it mattered little as Sunderland's winless run against the Birmingham club was extended to six matches.
Gabriel Agbonlahor's first-half strike relieved some of the pressure on Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert as they won 1-0 at Sunderland.
The striker capitalised on a calamitous mistake from Lee Cattermole to score his third goal of the season and end a run of five matches without a win for his side.
Cattermole lost control of a pass from Valentin Roberge 25 yards from goal and Agbonlahor picked up the loose ball before coolly rounding Vito Mannone and slotting home.
The closest the hosts came was through Fabio Borini, who saw an effort disallowed for offside shortly after half-time, with Gus Poyet's side otherwise restricted to shots from range as they fell to their first defeat in five league games.
Villa made two alterations with Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke returning from respective calf and knee injuries, while Sunderland brought Jack Colback and Steven Fletcher in after their goalscoring heroics at Cardiff City on Saturday, the Scot going closest early on after being played in by Emanuele Giaccherini in the seventh minute.
But it was the visitors who went in front after 15 minutes as Cattermole miscontrolled just outside the area, allowing Agbonlahor to nip in, round Mannone and slide the ball into an empty net.
The visitors were indebted to Vlaar for denying Colback, playing his 100th Sunderland game, as the hosts responded immediately before Leandro Bacuna almost doubled the lead three minutes later, firing just wide of the post after a driving run down the left.
Villa went close again in the 25th minute, Agbonlahor testing Mannone with a fierce drive after linking up with Benteke on the edge of the box before last-ditch defending saved Villa once more three minutes before the break; the Belgian getting in the way of Ji Dong-Won's effort from 10 yards.
The visitors continued to threaten after the interval, Bacuna's 30-yard effort taking a wicked deflection off Roberge which caused Mannone to scramble to his left and parry behind.
Borini, a half-time substitute in place of Cattermole, had a goal ruled out in the 52nd minute, the striker straying half a yard offside when getting on the end of Ji's knock down.
In the 72nd minute, Benteke came close to ending his run of 11 matches without a goal, curling the ball beyond Mannone only to see Phil Bardsley head the ball off the line.
The hosts struggled to make any inroads into the Villa defence and it was the visitors who looked more likely to snatch a second on the counter-attack, substitute Marc Albrighton blazing over the crossbar when clear on goal with eight minutes remaining, but it mattered little as Sunderland's winless run against the Birmingham club was extended to six matches.
West Brom 1-0 Newcastle: Berahino penalty downs 10-man Toon
Saido Berahino scored a late penalty as West Brom ended their nine-game Premier League winless run with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
England Under-21 international Berahino converted from the spot three minutes from time on Wednesday - his second goal in as many games - to move the Midlanders four points clear of the relegation zone.
It proved a game of few openings in wet conditions at The Hawthorns, but the contest turned midway through the second half when Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Claudio Yacob.
West Brom laboured to find a winner in the closing stages, Liam Ridgewell spurning a gilt-edged chance eight minutes from time.
At that point, Keith Downing's men looked to have wasted an opportunity to pull away from the drop zone, but goalkeeper Tim Krul's rash challenge on Matej Vydra helped them secure all three points against a Newcastle team that also lost captain Fabricio Coloccini through injury.
Stephane Sessegnon was restored to the West Brom starting XI as one of four changes made by interim head coach Downing, while Newcastle included striker Shola Ameobi in place of Vurnon Anita.
West Brom made the brighter start to an open first half and would have taken the lead had ex-Sunderland man Sessegnon been able to get a touch to Liam Ridgewell's dangerous low cross.
Newcastle spurned their first real chance after 25 minutes when Mike Williamson nodded Debuchy's far-post cross into the path of Yohan Cabaye, only for the France midfielder to fire narrowly wide.
The hosts continued to do most of the pressing, but Downing's side were undone by their profligacy in front of goal, as Jonas Olsson and Chris Brunt - a scorer in the 2-1 away defeat to Newcastle in November - both headed wide before the half-hour mark.
But it was Nicolas Anelka, who opened his West Brom account with a double against West Ham last Saturday, that wasted the best opportunity of the half as he turned Morgan Amalfitano's pull back over the bar from point-blank range just before the interval.
Both sides made attacking changes at half-time with Berahino replacing Billy Jones for West Brom and Yoan Gouffran making way for Hatem Ben Arfa for the visitors.
Still, chances proved few and far between in the early stages of the second half, Loic Remy going closest when the curled an effort just over the bar from the edge of the area.
The complexion of the game was changed after 62 minutes, though, when Debuchy was dismissed by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed tackle on Claudio Yacob, although the Frenchman did emerge from the challenge with the ball.
And Newcastle suffered a further blow shortly after as Coloccini limped off to be replaced by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Ridgewell appeared to have missed West Brom's final opportunity when he shot wide with the goal gaping, but West Brom secured their first win under Downing when substitute Berahino slotted home from the spot following Krul's moment of madness.
Saido Berahino scored a late penalty as West Brom ended their nine-game Premier League winless run with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
England Under-21 international Berahino converted from the spot three minutes from time on Wednesday - his second goal in as many games - to move the Midlanders four points clear of the relegation zone.
It proved a game of few openings in wet conditions at The Hawthorns, but the contest turned midway through the second half when Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Claudio Yacob.
West Brom laboured to find a winner in the closing stages, Liam Ridgewell spurning a gilt-edged chance eight minutes from time.
At that point, Keith Downing's men looked to have wasted an opportunity to pull away from the drop zone, but goalkeeper Tim Krul's rash challenge on Matej Vydra helped them secure all three points against a Newcastle team that also lost captain Fabricio Coloccini through injury.
Stephane Sessegnon was restored to the West Brom starting XI as one of four changes made by interim head coach Downing, while Newcastle included striker Shola Ameobi in place of Vurnon Anita.
West Brom made the brighter start to an open first half and would have taken the lead had ex-Sunderland man Sessegnon been able to get a touch to Liam Ridgewell's dangerous low cross.
Newcastle spurned their first real chance after 25 minutes when Mike Williamson nodded Debuchy's far-post cross into the path of Yohan Cabaye, only for the France midfielder to fire narrowly wide.
The hosts continued to do most of the pressing, but Downing's side were undone by their profligacy in front of goal, as Jonas Olsson and Chris Brunt - a scorer in the 2-1 away defeat to Newcastle in November - both headed wide before the half-hour mark.
But it was Nicolas Anelka, who opened his West Brom account with a double against West Ham last Saturday, that wasted the best opportunity of the half as he turned Morgan Amalfitano's pull back over the bar from point-blank range just before the interval.
Both sides made attacking changes at half-time with Berahino replacing Billy Jones for West Brom and Yoan Gouffran making way for Hatem Ben Arfa for the visitors.
Still, chances proved few and far between in the early stages of the second half, Loic Remy going closest when the curled an effort just over the bar from the edge of the area.
The complexion of the game was changed after 62 minutes, though, when Debuchy was dismissed by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed tackle on Claudio Yacob, although the Frenchman did emerge from the challenge with the ball.
And Newcastle suffered a further blow shortly after as Coloccini limped off to be replaced by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Ridgewell appeared to have missed West Brom's final opportunity when he shot wide with the goal gaping, but West Brom secured their first win under Downing when substitute Berahino slotted home from the spot following Krul's moment of madness.
Southampton 0-3 Chelsea: Torres, Willian & Oscar keep up pressure on leaders
Fernando Torres, Willian and Oscar scored in the second half as Chelsea continued their fine form with a 3-0 win at Southampton.
The Blues, who came into the match on the back of wins against Swansea City and Liverpool, flexed their attacking muscle after the break and were simply too good for the Saints, who lost back-to-back home matches for the first time under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
After an entertaining first half, Torres broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, reacting quickly to head into an open net after a deflected Eden Hazard cross beat Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and hit the post. Chelsea did not have any recognised centre forward score an away league goal in all of 2013 but, on the first day of the new year, the Spaniard broke the drought.
Willian then scored a fine curling strike from the edge of the penalty area with 19 minutes left before fellow substitute Oscar wrapped up the win with a composed left-footed effort.
Ramires returned from suspension for Chelsea in one of six changes, as the likes of Torres, Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle also came in, while Morgan Schneiderlin and Gaston Ramirez were recalled for Southampton.
Torres started brightly, going close twice in the first three minutes, while Schurrle - making his first league start since scoring twice at Stoke City in December - fired just wide.
Southampton defender Dejan Lovren clashed heads with team-mate Jose Fonte, causing play to stop, and, after the former returned, Pochettino's side grew into the match.
Adam Lallana's close-range shot was blocked by Ashley Cole and the same defender did well to deny Jay Rodriguez when Ramirez played him through with a lofted ball.
For the second time in 12 minutes, Davis was quick off his line to deny Hazard - he did excellently to keep out Ramires earlier - and Lallana was again denied inside the penalty area by an excellent block, this time from Cesar Azpilicueta.
Ramires was a constant threat and, after a charging run, he forced Davis to tip his strike over the bar, while Hazard hesitated when he should have shot in an attacking move that ended with Schurrle's effort blocked.
Lovren and Fonte had efforts blocked as Chelsea failed to clear a corner two minutes into the second half, while, at the other end, Oscar was booked for simulation after a minor collision with the Southampton keeper.
An excellent ball from Hazard set up Oscar - recently brought on for Mata - but, after trying to round Davis in the penalty area, he left a trailing leg in and threw himself to ground.
Chelsea were turning the screw and got their reward on the hour-mark thanks to Torres's quick reaction but Southampton substitute Rickie Lambert fired a warning shot with a close-range header at Petr Cech with 25 minutes left.
Willian linked well with fellow substitute Oscar six minutes later, though, and curled an excellent strike past Davis.
Southampton's high line was punished again when Hazard's ball over the top sent Oscar through and he finished with aplomb eight minutes from time.
Fernando Torres, Willian and Oscar scored in the second half as Chelsea continued their fine form with a 3-0 win at Southampton.
The Blues, who came into the match on the back of wins against Swansea City and Liverpool, flexed their attacking muscle after the break and were simply too good for the Saints, who lost back-to-back home matches for the first time under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
After an entertaining first half, Torres broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, reacting quickly to head into an open net after a deflected Eden Hazard cross beat Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and hit the post. Chelsea did not have any recognised centre forward score an away league goal in all of 2013 but, on the first day of the new year, the Spaniard broke the drought.
Willian then scored a fine curling strike from the edge of the penalty area with 19 minutes left before fellow substitute Oscar wrapped up the win with a composed left-footed effort.
Ramires returned from suspension for Chelsea in one of six changes, as the likes of Torres, Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle also came in, while Morgan Schneiderlin and Gaston Ramirez were recalled for Southampton.
Torres started brightly, going close twice in the first three minutes, while Schurrle - making his first league start since scoring twice at Stoke City in December - fired just wide.
Southampton defender Dejan Lovren clashed heads with team-mate Jose Fonte, causing play to stop, and, after the former returned, Pochettino's side grew into the match.
Adam Lallana's close-range shot was blocked by Ashley Cole and the same defender did well to deny Jay Rodriguez when Ramirez played him through with a lofted ball.
For the second time in 12 minutes, Davis was quick off his line to deny Hazard - he did excellently to keep out Ramires earlier - and Lallana was again denied inside the penalty area by an excellent block, this time from Cesar Azpilicueta.
Ramires was a constant threat and, after a charging run, he forced Davis to tip his strike over the bar, while Hazard hesitated when he should have shot in an attacking move that ended with Schurrle's effort blocked.
Lovren and Fonte had efforts blocked as Chelsea failed to clear a corner two minutes into the second half, while, at the other end, Oscar was booked for simulation after a minor collision with the Southampton keeper.
An excellent ball from Hazard set up Oscar - recently brought on for Mata - but, after trying to round Davis in the penalty area, he left a trailing leg in and threw himself to ground.
Chelsea were turning the screw and got their reward on the hour-mark thanks to Torres's quick reaction but Southampton substitute Rickie Lambert fired a warning shot with a close-range header at Petr Cech with 25 minutes left.
Willian linked well with fellow substitute Oscar six minutes later, though, and curled an excellent strike past Davis.
Southampton's high line was punished again when Hazard's ball over the top sent Oscar through and he finished with aplomb eight minutes from time.
Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff: Bendtner & Walcott keep Gunners top with vital late goals
Nicklas Bendtner was Arsenal's super sub as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought win over Cardiff City.
Having watched Manchester City usurp them at the summit with a 3-2 win in the early kick-off against Swansea City, Arsene Wenger's side looked set to lose their grip on first place as managerless Cardiff frustrated them for long periods.
Watched by prospective new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - who flanked controversial owner Vincent Tan in the Emirates Stadium directors' box - Cardiff held out until Bendtner slammed home in the 89th minute.
And Theo Walcott added gloss to the scoreline with a chipped finish in stoppage time to hand Wenger’s side a one-point advantage at the top.
Lukas Podolski made his second league start of the season, leading the line for an Arsenal side lacking Olivier Giroud (ankle), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Mesut Ozil (shoulder) and Kieran Gibbs (calf), although Jack Wilshere and Walcott came through late checks on respective ankle and shoulder problems.
Cardiff forward Craig Bellamy missed out due to his chronic knee problem, while experienced right-back Kevin McNaughton made a first Premier League appearance.
Wilshere and Walcott combined in the 13th minute as the latter prodded a searching cross into the side netting after a lacklustre opening.
England midfielder Wilshere was the standout performer in the opening half hour and was unfortunate not to win a penalty when he was bundled over by Gary Medel.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made the game's first save of note as Jordon Mutch stormed forward on the counterattack, before Santi Cazorla beat McNaughton and teed up Walcott to ripple the side netting once more in the 31st minute.
Podolski's unease in the lone striker role was underlined in first-half stoppage time, as the Germany international was crowded out when well placed in the Cardiff box.
Wenger's men began the second half with greater intent and former Tottenham centre-back Steven Caulker made a fine last-ditch challenge to thwart Podolski, but it was then Cardiff's turn to have a penalty appeal waved away by referee Jon Moss when Craig Noone's cross struck Nacho Monreal's arm.
Goalkeeper David Marshall was booked for time wasting as Arsenal laid siege to the Cardiff goal and he was grateful to see the ball go behind off his near post after Wilshere had bustled in from the left to blast goalwards in the 64th minute.
Per Mertesacker then hit the same upright as he spurned a second free header in a matter of minutes.
Bendtner, on for the ineffective Podolski, failed to make headed contact with the goal gaping as a frustrating afternoon appeared to be slipping away from Arsenal, but he was on hand to convert after Marshall had saved well from Bacary Sagna's header.
Walcott then completed the win by lifting the ball over Marshall in stoppage time, leaving Cardiff a point above the relegation zone and Solskjaer with much to ponder.
Nicklas Bendtner was Arsenal's super sub as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought win over Cardiff City.
Having watched Manchester City usurp them at the summit with a 3-2 win in the early kick-off against Swansea City, Arsene Wenger's side looked set to lose their grip on first place as managerless Cardiff frustrated them for long periods.
Watched by prospective new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - who flanked controversial owner Vincent Tan in the Emirates Stadium directors' box - Cardiff held out until Bendtner slammed home in the 89th minute.
And Theo Walcott added gloss to the scoreline with a chipped finish in stoppage time to hand Wenger’s side a one-point advantage at the top.
Lukas Podolski made his second league start of the season, leading the line for an Arsenal side lacking Olivier Giroud (ankle), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Mesut Ozil (shoulder) and Kieran Gibbs (calf), although Jack Wilshere and Walcott came through late checks on respective ankle and shoulder problems.
Cardiff forward Craig Bellamy missed out due to his chronic knee problem, while experienced right-back Kevin McNaughton made a first Premier League appearance.
Wilshere and Walcott combined in the 13th minute as the latter prodded a searching cross into the side netting after a lacklustre opening.
England midfielder Wilshere was the standout performer in the opening half hour and was unfortunate not to win a penalty when he was bundled over by Gary Medel.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made the game's first save of note as Jordon Mutch stormed forward on the counterattack, before Santi Cazorla beat McNaughton and teed up Walcott to ripple the side netting once more in the 31st minute.
Podolski's unease in the lone striker role was underlined in first-half stoppage time, as the Germany international was crowded out when well placed in the Cardiff box.
Wenger's men began the second half with greater intent and former Tottenham centre-back Steven Caulker made a fine last-ditch challenge to thwart Podolski, but it was then Cardiff's turn to have a penalty appeal waved away by referee Jon Moss when Craig Noone's cross struck Nacho Monreal's arm.
Goalkeeper David Marshall was booked for time wasting as Arsenal laid siege to the Cardiff goal and he was grateful to see the ball go behind off his near post after Wilshere had bustled in from the left to blast goalwards in the 64th minute.
Per Mertesacker then hit the same upright as he spurned a second free header in a matter of minutes.
Bendtner, on for the ineffective Podolski, failed to make headed contact with the goal gaping as a frustrating afternoon appeared to be slipping away from Arsenal, but he was on hand to convert after Marshall had saved well from Bacary Sagna's header.
Walcott then completed the win by lifting the ball over Marshall in stoppage time, leaving Cardiff a point above the relegation zone and Solskjaer with much to ponder.
Stoke City 1-1 Everton: Late Baines penalty saves point for Toffees
Leighton Baines scored a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for Everton at Stoke City in the Premier League on New Year's Day.
Oussama Assaidi netted four minutes into the second half after Kevin Mirallas had struck the woodwork twice for Roberto Martinez's men in the opening period.
With the match seemingly heading for a Stoke victory, Jermaine Pennant's reckless lunge on Leon Osman in the box handed Everton a spot kick at the death, which Baines duly dispatched.
Stoke welcomed Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan back from suspension, while Everton made five alterations to the side who beat Southampton 2-1 on Sunday, including handing a first Premier League start to defender John Stones, who partnered Antolin Alcaraz in the heart of defence, with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin both injured.
A cagey opening saw Peter Crouch head just wide of the right-hand post from Jonathan Walters's cross and James McCarthy force Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen into a diving save from 20 yards.
With rain teeming down at the Britannia Stadium, Mirallas had the best chance of the opening period as the match reached the half-hour mark, rifling a shot against the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards with Sorensen well beaten.
Assaidi almost broke the deadlock in the scrappiest of fashions 11 minutes before the break as he saw a shot from inside the area deflected just wide by Alcaraz.
Ross Barkley then guided the ball just over from a Mirallas cut-back six minutes later, before the Belgian attacker struck the frame of the goal for a second time from a free kick as the sides went in at half-time all square.
Stoke, who are already without the injured Asmir Begovic, suffered a further goalkeeping blow at half-time, with Thomas Sorensen failing to re-emerge for the second half due to a reported Achilles problem – Jack Butland coming on in his place to make his Premier League bow.
But those worries were soon forgotten when Assaidi – on loan from Everton's Merseyside rivals, Liverpool - drilled home from the edge of the penalty area following a failed headed clearance by Stones.
Charlie Adam turned well on the edge of the penalty area to fire a left-footed effort straight at Tim Howard seven minutes later as Stoke assumed control of the fixture but Everton started to look dangerous again, with Barkley and Mirallas both having efforts blocked in the penalty area.
It looked as though the Potters were going to do just about enough to seal the three points but Pennant hacked down Osman in the penalty area in stoppage time to give the visitors hope. Baines coolly slotted home from the spot to rescue a deserved point for Everton, who dropped into fifth behind Liverpool as the Reds beat Hull City.
Leighton Baines scored a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for Everton at Stoke City in the Premier League on New Year's Day.
Oussama Assaidi netted four minutes into the second half after Kevin Mirallas had struck the woodwork twice for Roberto Martinez's men in the opening period.
With the match seemingly heading for a Stoke victory, Jermaine Pennant's reckless lunge on Leon Osman in the box handed Everton a spot kick at the death, which Baines duly dispatched.
Stoke welcomed Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan back from suspension, while Everton made five alterations to the side who beat Southampton 2-1 on Sunday, including handing a first Premier League start to defender John Stones, who partnered Antolin Alcaraz in the heart of defence, with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin both injured.
A cagey opening saw Peter Crouch head just wide of the right-hand post from Jonathan Walters's cross and James McCarthy force Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen into a diving save from 20 yards.
With rain teeming down at the Britannia Stadium, Mirallas had the best chance of the opening period as the match reached the half-hour mark, rifling a shot against the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards with Sorensen well beaten.
Assaidi almost broke the deadlock in the scrappiest of fashions 11 minutes before the break as he saw a shot from inside the area deflected just wide by Alcaraz.
Ross Barkley then guided the ball just over from a Mirallas cut-back six minutes later, before the Belgian attacker struck the frame of the goal for a second time from a free kick as the sides went in at half-time all square.
Stoke, who are already without the injured Asmir Begovic, suffered a further goalkeeping blow at half-time, with Thomas Sorensen failing to re-emerge for the second half due to a reported Achilles problem – Jack Butland coming on in his place to make his Premier League bow.
But those worries were soon forgotten when Assaidi – on loan from Everton's Merseyside rivals, Liverpool - drilled home from the edge of the penalty area following a failed headed clearance by Stones.
Charlie Adam turned well on the edge of the penalty area to fire a left-footed effort straight at Tim Howard seven minutes later as Stoke assumed control of the fixture but Everton started to look dangerous again, with Barkley and Mirallas both having efforts blocked in the penalty area.
It looked as though the Potters were going to do just about enough to seal the three points but Pennant hacked down Osman in the penalty area in stoppage time to give the visitors hope. Baines coolly slotted home from the spot to rescue a deserved point for Everton, who dropped into fifth behind Liverpool as the Reds beat Hull City.
Liverpool 2-0 Hull: Agger & Suarez get Reds back to winning ways
Luis Suarez's superb free-kick helped Liverpool bounce back from consecutive away defeats with a comfortable victory over Hull City at Anfield.
The Merseyside outfit had slipped to fifth in the table with losses at title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, but returned to winning ways by avenging their 3-1 loss to Steve Bruce's men in the reverse fixture last month.
Liverpool created the better openings of the first half and moved ahead on 36 minutes when Philippe Coutinho's corner was met by the head of stand-in captain Daniel Agger.
Suarez doubled the lead on 50 minutes to notch his 20th Premier League goal of the season with an unstoppable bending free-kick, joining Fernando Torres as only the second Liverpool player to score in eight consecutive Premier League home games.
Brendan Rodgers' side pushed for a third as the game neared its conclusion, but the scoreline remained at 2-0 as the hosts climbed to fourth, while Hull stay 10th.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard returned to the bench after a four match lay-off with a hamstring problem, while Iago Aspas and Aly Cissokho replaced injured duo Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho.
Hull brought in Alex Bruce and David Meyler for Liam Rosenior and George Boyd.
In a lacklustre opening, the two sides exchanged speculative efforts with Yannick Sagbo's half-volley and Suarez's inventive chip.
Suarez thought he had put the hosts ahead on 19 minutes when he headed home Coutinho's free-kick, but the Uruguayan was denied by the linesman's offside flag.
Raheem Sterling then had a great chance to break the deadlock for the hosts when he broke clear of the Hull defence on the left only to shoot straight at Allan McGregor.
Liverpool’s pressure told with nine minutes remaining in the half, though, as Agger leapt highest to head home Coutinho's corner.
Rodgers' team then spurned two great opportunities to extend their lead before half-time.First, Jordan Henderson side-footed wide from the edge of the box following a superb passage of play, before Coutinho placed an effort wide of the near post after collecting Henderson's intelligent pass.
Shortly after the break the home side did add a second. Suarez was fouled by James Chester and picked himself up to curl home a sublime free-kick from 25 yards, becoming the first Liverpool player to reach the 20-goal landmark in consecutive league campaigns since Robbie Fowler in 1994-95 and 1995-96 in the process.
Gerrard entered play shortly after the hour mark to a standing ovation and dragged an effort wide with 15 minutes remaining, while Coutinho twice went close from distance.
In the closing stages Suarez had another goal disallowed when he side-footed home from Kolo Toure's centre, but the ball had gone out of play before the defender crossed.
Coutinho then almost had the final say in injury time as he forced McGregor into a stop from close range after a brilliant solo run, but Liverpool were made to settle for a two-goal winning margin.
Luis Suarez's superb free-kick helped Liverpool bounce back from consecutive away defeats with a comfortable victory over Hull City at Anfield.
The Merseyside outfit had slipped to fifth in the table with losses at title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, but returned to winning ways by avenging their 3-1 loss to Steve Bruce's men in the reverse fixture last month.
Liverpool created the better openings of the first half and moved ahead on 36 minutes when Philippe Coutinho's corner was met by the head of stand-in captain Daniel Agger.
Suarez doubled the lead on 50 minutes to notch his 20th Premier League goal of the season with an unstoppable bending free-kick, joining Fernando Torres as only the second Liverpool player to score in eight consecutive Premier League home games.
Brendan Rodgers' side pushed for a third as the game neared its conclusion, but the scoreline remained at 2-0 as the hosts climbed to fourth, while Hull stay 10th.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard returned to the bench after a four match lay-off with a hamstring problem, while Iago Aspas and Aly Cissokho replaced injured duo Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho.
Hull brought in Alex Bruce and David Meyler for Liam Rosenior and George Boyd.
In a lacklustre opening, the two sides exchanged speculative efforts with Yannick Sagbo's half-volley and Suarez's inventive chip.
Suarez thought he had put the hosts ahead on 19 minutes when he headed home Coutinho's free-kick, but the Uruguayan was denied by the linesman's offside flag.
Raheem Sterling then had a great chance to break the deadlock for the hosts when he broke clear of the Hull defence on the left only to shoot straight at Allan McGregor.
Liverpool’s pressure told with nine minutes remaining in the half, though, as Agger leapt highest to head home Coutinho's corner.
Rodgers' team then spurned two great opportunities to extend their lead before half-time.First, Jordan Henderson side-footed wide from the edge of the box following a superb passage of play, before Coutinho placed an effort wide of the near post after collecting Henderson's intelligent pass.
Shortly after the break the home side did add a second. Suarez was fouled by James Chester and picked himself up to curl home a sublime free-kick from 25 yards, becoming the first Liverpool player to reach the 20-goal landmark in consecutive league campaigns since Robbie Fowler in 1994-95 and 1995-96 in the process.
Gerrard entered play shortly after the hour mark to a standing ovation and dragged an effort wide with 15 minutes remaining, while Coutinho twice went close from distance.
In the closing stages Suarez had another goal disallowed when he side-footed home from Kolo Toure's centre, but the ball had gone out of play before the defender crossed.
Coutinho then almost had the final say in injury time as he forced McGregor into a stop from close range after a brilliant solo run, but Liverpool were made to settle for a two-goal winning margin.
Fulham 2-1 West Ham: Sidwell & Berbatov punish 10-man Hammers
Dimitar Berbatov marked his return to action with the winning goal as Fulham grabbed a vital victory over 10-man West Ham.
The Bulgarian, who missed the last three games with a groin injury, popped up midway through the second half with a trademark predatory finish from close range, after Steve Sidwell's header had cancelled out Mohamed Diame's early opener.
Kevin Nolan was sent off for his second away match running when he kicked out at Fernando Amorebieta several minutes before half-time in what was miserable start to 2014 for the visitors and under-fire manager Sam Allardyce, but a joyous one for Fulham and striker Berbatov.
The 32-year-old was one of seven changes made from the side mauled 6-0 by Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday, with Adel Taarabt also making a return.
An injury-plagued West Ham came into this contest without a recognised central defender, forcing Allardyce into six changes to the side that drew to West Brom.
Yet Rene Meulensteen's team, who have conceded more goals than any other top-flight team, were guilty of showing their own defensive frailties after just six minutes.
A hopeful route one ball from Jussi Jaaskelainen could only be cleared as far as Diame, who duly slotted home from inside the box.
John Arne Riise nearly levelled things just over 10 minutes later, but his crashing 25-yard drive whistled just past the post.
The home side remained vulnerable at the back and could have been further behind after 23 minutes were it not for a superb save from David Stockdale to keep out a Nolan header at the far post.
But Fulham still managed to create chances, with Berbatov forcing a smart save from Jaaskelainen and Amorebieta having a header cleared off the line.
Their pressure paid off just after half an hour, when Sidwell broke free of his man to head home a Damien Duff corner.
And a minute later, the hosts could have been in front when Taarabt rattled the post after some good work from Kieran Richardson.
Things soon got worse for the visitors as Mark Noble limped off with a suspected calf strain, before Nolan was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball incident with Amorebieta just before the break.
The hosts predictably began the second half with a spring in their step, with Riise having the best of an early flurry of chances, racing away down the left before forcing a strong save from Jaaskelainen at the near post.
Taarabt should have given his side the lead after 60 minutes, first forcing Jaaskelainen to tip a glanced header onto the post, before being denied again with the rebound thanks to a terrific save from close range.
Five minutes later, though, and Fulham were ahead after a low Alexander Kacaniklic cross fell fortunately to Berbatov at the far post, who was left with a simple finish.
Substitute Darren Bent nearly added a third five minutes later, bursting through the defence before being denied by the goalkeeper.
West Ham went close to an equaliser late on, but Stewart Downing's low drive went just wide as Fulham held on for a sixth win of the season, while the visitors are now winless in seven.
Dimitar Berbatov marked his return to action with the winning goal as Fulham grabbed a vital victory over 10-man West Ham.
The Bulgarian, who missed the last three games with a groin injury, popped up midway through the second half with a trademark predatory finish from close range, after Steve Sidwell's header had cancelled out Mohamed Diame's early opener.
Kevin Nolan was sent off for his second away match running when he kicked out at Fernando Amorebieta several minutes before half-time in what was miserable start to 2014 for the visitors and under-fire manager Sam Allardyce, but a joyous one for Fulham and striker Berbatov.
The 32-year-old was one of seven changes made from the side mauled 6-0 by Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday, with Adel Taarabt also making a return.
An injury-plagued West Ham came into this contest without a recognised central defender, forcing Allardyce into six changes to the side that drew to West Brom.
Yet Rene Meulensteen's team, who have conceded more goals than any other top-flight team, were guilty of showing their own defensive frailties after just six minutes.
A hopeful route one ball from Jussi Jaaskelainen could only be cleared as far as Diame, who duly slotted home from inside the box.
John Arne Riise nearly levelled things just over 10 minutes later, but his crashing 25-yard drive whistled just past the post.
The home side remained vulnerable at the back and could have been further behind after 23 minutes were it not for a superb save from David Stockdale to keep out a Nolan header at the far post.
But Fulham still managed to create chances, with Berbatov forcing a smart save from Jaaskelainen and Amorebieta having a header cleared off the line.
Their pressure paid off just after half an hour, when Sidwell broke free of his man to head home a Damien Duff corner.
And a minute later, the hosts could have been in front when Taarabt rattled the post after some good work from Kieran Richardson.
Things soon got worse for the visitors as Mark Noble limped off with a suspected calf strain, before Nolan was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball incident with Amorebieta just before the break.
The hosts predictably began the second half with a spring in their step, with Riise having the best of an early flurry of chances, racing away down the left before forcing a strong save from Jaaskelainen at the near post.
Taarabt should have given his side the lead after 60 minutes, first forcing Jaaskelainen to tip a glanced header onto the post, before being denied again with the rebound thanks to a terrific save from close range.
Five minutes later, though, and Fulham were ahead after a low Alexander Kacaniklic cross fell fortunately to Berbatov at the far post, who was left with a simple finish.
Substitute Darren Bent nearly added a third five minutes later, bursting through the defence before being denied by the goalkeeper.
West Ham went close to an equaliser late on, but Stewart Downing's low drive went just wide as Fulham held on for a sixth win of the season, while the visitors are now winless in seven.
Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City: Kolarov seals seventh straight win for Pellegrini's pacesetters
Manchester City extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games thanks to a 3-2 victory over Swansea City.
Goals from Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov secured the three points for Manuel Pellegrini's side to give them their first win at the Liberty Stadium.
Wilfried Bony grabbed two for the hosts but it was in vain as the visitors recorded another impressive victory.
The win took Manchester City back to the top of the table, ahead of Arsenal's clash with Cardiff City later on Wednesday, while the Swans remain in mid-table but will be nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom three.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup was able to recall Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge to his starting line-up, while the visitors made five changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace.
The hosts created the first chance as Bony collected a pass from Jonathan De Guzman on the edge of the penalty area but his low shot clipped the post on its way to going wide.
The visitors made the Ivorian pay for that miss almost immediately, as they opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Fernandinho. Swansea failed to clear a right-wing corner and the loose ball dropped to the Brazil international, who fired through a crowd and into the back of the net.
Laudrup's side went close to an equaliser in the 25th minute when a flowing move involving Bony and substitute Roland Lamah - on for the injured Pablo Hernandez - released De Guzman in behind the Manchester City defence but the Dutch midfielder could not get the ball out of his feet and his scuffed shot was easily held by Joe Hart.
Both sides had chances to get the game's second goal before the break and it was Bony who produced a leveller for the hosts. The forward got ahead of Pablo Zabaleta in the 44th minute to meet De Guzman's cross and head past Hart – although the 25-year-old appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was delivered.
Pellegrini's side restored their lead in the 58th minute, however, thanks to Toure's 10th league goal of the season. The midfielder created room for himself room inside the penalty area before his shot wrong-footed Gerhard Tremmel thanks to a deflection off Ashley Williams.
Kolarov then added the third goal eight minutes later with a great solo effort. The Serbian won the ball from Routledge inside his own half and ran unopposed to the Swansea penalty area, where he cut onto his right foot and fired past Tremmel – although the goalkeeper should have done better.
As Swansea continued to show endeavour, Bony missed a chance to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute but he did net his second with a long-range strike in the second minute of injury time as the hosts gained some reward.
Manchester City extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games thanks to a 3-2 victory over Swansea City.
Goals from Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov secured the three points for Manuel Pellegrini's side to give them their first win at the Liberty Stadium.
Wilfried Bony grabbed two for the hosts but it was in vain as the visitors recorded another impressive victory.
The win took Manchester City back to the top of the table, ahead of Arsenal's clash with Cardiff City later on Wednesday, while the Swans remain in mid-table but will be nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom three.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup was able to recall Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge to his starting line-up, while the visitors made five changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace.
The hosts created the first chance as Bony collected a pass from Jonathan De Guzman on the edge of the penalty area but his low shot clipped the post on its way to going wide.
The visitors made the Ivorian pay for that miss almost immediately, as they opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Fernandinho. Swansea failed to clear a right-wing corner and the loose ball dropped to the Brazil international, who fired through a crowd and into the back of the net.
Laudrup's side went close to an equaliser in the 25th minute when a flowing move involving Bony and substitute Roland Lamah - on for the injured Pablo Hernandez - released De Guzman in behind the Manchester City defence but the Dutch midfielder could not get the ball out of his feet and his scuffed shot was easily held by Joe Hart.
Both sides had chances to get the game's second goal before the break and it was Bony who produced a leveller for the hosts. The forward got ahead of Pablo Zabaleta in the 44th minute to meet De Guzman's cross and head past Hart – although the 25-year-old appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was delivered.
Pellegrini's side restored their lead in the 58th minute, however, thanks to Toure's 10th league goal of the season. The midfielder created room for himself room inside the penalty area before his shot wrong-footed Gerhard Tremmel thanks to a deflection off Ashley Williams.
Kolarov then added the third goal eight minutes later with a great solo effort. The Serbian won the ball from Routledge inside his own half and ran unopposed to the Swansea penalty area, where he cut onto his right foot and fired past Tremmel – although the goalkeeper should have done better.
As Swansea continued to show endeavour, Bony missed a chance to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute but he did net his second with a long-range strike in the second minute of injury time as the hosts gained some reward.
Assou-Ekotto: Adebayor proved Villas-Boas wrong
Benoit Assou-Ekotto believes Emmanuel Adebayor has proved Andre Villas-Boas wrong after the striker’s goal put Tottenham on course for a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old’s header in the 34th minute brought his tally to four goals in five matches following his reintroduction to the team by Tim Sherwood.
Prior to Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal at White Hart Lane, Adebayor had played just 45 minutes for Spurs this season.
Assou-Ekotto, who’s currently on loan at QPR, posted on Twitter: “I luv my man adebayor... He just show how AVB was wrong about him...Well done spurs happy for tim too great perf LOL.”
Christian Eriksen’s second-half goal extended Tottenham’s advantage over Manchester United after Adebayor’s opener, while Danny Welbeck’s strike set up a tense finish for Sherwood’s men.
Adebayor was stretchered off in the 70th minute but Sherwood was unable to elaborate on the Togo striker’s injury.
"At the moment he [Adebayor] has ice on every part of his body so we can't tell what's wrong with him,” Sherwood told BT Sport.
“He just runs all day long, he tries hard for the team, but it's hard to single anyone out.
“We've got nine players injured so we're having to go with it with a very small squad at the moment.”
Benoit Assou-Ekotto believes Emmanuel Adebayor has proved Andre Villas-Boas wrong after the striker’s goal put Tottenham on course for a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old’s header in the 34th minute brought his tally to four goals in five matches following his reintroduction to the team by Tim Sherwood.
Prior to Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal at White Hart Lane, Adebayor had played just 45 minutes for Spurs this season.
Assou-Ekotto, who’s currently on loan at QPR, posted on Twitter: “I luv my man adebayor... He just show how AVB was wrong about him...Well done spurs happy for tim too great perf LOL.”
Christian Eriksen’s second-half goal extended Tottenham’s advantage over Manchester United after Adebayor’s opener, while Danny Welbeck’s strike set up a tense finish for Sherwood’s men.
Adebayor was stretchered off in the 70th minute but Sherwood was unable to elaborate on the Togo striker’s injury.
"At the moment he [Adebayor] has ice on every part of his body so we can't tell what's wrong with him,” Sherwood told BT Sport.
“He just runs all day long, he tries hard for the team, but it's hard to single anyone out.
“We've got nine players injured so we're having to go with it with a very small squad at the moment.”
Wenger: Arsenal lucky to beat Cardiff
Arsene Wenger conceded fortune smiled on his Arsenal side after they secured a last-gasp 2-0 win over Cardiff City.
The managerless visitors were watched by prospective boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from the Emirates Stadium directors' box and frustrated Wenger's title chasers as Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker all came close to breaking the deadlock.
It remained intact until the 89th minute, when substitute Nicklas Bendtner smashed home from close range after David Marshall saved well from Bacary Sagna's header.
Walcott burst through the Cardiff defence in injury-time to net a delicate chip and return Arsenal to the Premier League summit following a 3-2 victory for closest rivals Manchester City in the day's early kick-off at Swansea City.
"We needed to be patient against a very good Cardiff side," Wenger told BBC Sport."They did work absolutely hard, their new manager was in the stands. They deserve credit and were a bit unfortunate to lose in the end.
"I think we were mature, intelligent and resilient. Maybe it is a consequence of the number of games we have played."We know we have to play 10 home games and we want to make this place a fortress and take the points no matter what the others do.
"If we can manage to do that we will be in a very strong position."
Arsene Wenger conceded fortune smiled on his Arsenal side after they secured a last-gasp 2-0 win over Cardiff City.
The managerless visitors were watched by prospective boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from the Emirates Stadium directors' box and frustrated Wenger's title chasers as Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker all came close to breaking the deadlock.
It remained intact until the 89th minute, when substitute Nicklas Bendtner smashed home from close range after David Marshall saved well from Bacary Sagna's header.
Walcott burst through the Cardiff defence in injury-time to net a delicate chip and return Arsenal to the Premier League summit following a 3-2 victory for closest rivals Manchester City in the day's early kick-off at Swansea City.
"We needed to be patient against a very good Cardiff side," Wenger told BBC Sport."They did work absolutely hard, their new manager was in the stands. They deserve credit and were a bit unfortunate to lose in the end.
"I think we were mature, intelligent and resilient. Maybe it is a consequence of the number of games we have played."We know we have to play 10 home games and we want to make this place a fortress and take the points no matter what the others do.
"If we can manage to do that we will be in a very strong position."
Moyes blasts 'scandalous' penalty decision after Manchester United's defeat to Tottenham
David Moyes labelled Howard Webb’s decision not to award a penalty for Hugo Lloris’ challenge on Ashley Young as ‘one of the worst he’s seen’ following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.
A goal in each half from Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen secured victory for Tim Sherwood’s side, who were forced to hold out in the final stages of the game after Danny Welbeck’s strike in the 67th minute.
Moyes maintains the collision between Lloris and Young inside Tottenham’s box was a “stonewall penalty”, while the result leaves United seventh in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
“I thought the team played really well. We certainly should have had a penalty and red card for the goalkeeper’s challenge on Ashley Young,” Moyes said.
“It’s scandalous. If you follow through with your foot that high anywhere else on the pitch, it’s a sending off and a red card. It’s an incredible decision, in fact it’s probably one of the worst I’ve seen.
“It’s reckless, it’s late, it’s in the penalty box. I don’t know what else we can say.
“All I can tell you is that was a stonewall penalty. If you don’t give a penalty for that, you won’t see one all season.”
David Moyes labelled Howard Webb’s decision not to award a penalty for Hugo Lloris’ challenge on Ashley Young as ‘one of the worst he’s seen’ following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.
A goal in each half from Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen secured victory for Tim Sherwood’s side, who were forced to hold out in the final stages of the game after Danny Welbeck’s strike in the 67th minute.
Moyes maintains the collision between Lloris and Young inside Tottenham’s box was a “stonewall penalty”, while the result leaves United seventh in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.
“I thought the team played really well. We certainly should have had a penalty and red card for the goalkeeper’s challenge on Ashley Young,” Moyes said.
“It’s scandalous. If you follow through with your foot that high anywhere else on the pitch, it’s a sending off and a red card. It’s an incredible decision, in fact it’s probably one of the worst I’ve seen.
“It’s reckless, it’s late, it’s in the penalty box. I don’t know what else we can say.
“All I can tell you is that was a stonewall penalty. If you don’t give a penalty for that, you won’t see one all season.”
Atletico Madrid confirm Sosa deal
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Metalist Kharkiv midfielder Jose Sosa on a six-month loan deal.
The 28-year-old, who has played for Bayern Munich and Napoli during his career, has spent the last three years at Metalist and was the Ukrainian club's captain, but he wanted to head back to Europe's major leagues in an attempt to make Argentina's World Cup squad.
He made seven appearances in his country's qualification for the 2014 tournament in Brazil but has not played in the Champions League this season and will boost Diego Simeone's squad for the round of 16 tie against Milan.
"FC Metalist captain Jose Sosa received permission from the club president Sergiy Kurchenko to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs," a statement from Metalist read.
"We listened to Jose Sosa's request that he wants to win a place in the Argentina national team to participate at the World Cup in 2014, which will be held in Brazil.
"Given Jose's contribution to the development of the club and taking into account the fact that the championships in European countries are held during the winter, in contrast to Ukraine, we have decided to meet Sosa's wish to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs."Sosa will undergo a medical on Thursday.
Atletico went into the mid-season break level on points with table-toppers Barcelona and will resume their league campaign at Malaga on Saturday before facing the Catalan giants a week later.
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Metalist Kharkiv midfielder Jose Sosa on a six-month loan deal.
The 28-year-old, who has played for Bayern Munich and Napoli during his career, has spent the last three years at Metalist and was the Ukrainian club's captain, but he wanted to head back to Europe's major leagues in an attempt to make Argentina's World Cup squad.
He made seven appearances in his country's qualification for the 2014 tournament in Brazil but has not played in the Champions League this season and will boost Diego Simeone's squad for the round of 16 tie against Milan.
"FC Metalist captain Jose Sosa received permission from the club president Sergiy Kurchenko to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs," a statement from Metalist read.
"We listened to Jose Sosa's request that he wants to win a place in the Argentina national team to participate at the World Cup in 2014, which will be held in Brazil.
"Given Jose's contribution to the development of the club and taking into account the fact that the championships in European countries are held during the winter, in contrast to Ukraine, we have decided to meet Sosa's wish to go on six-month loan to one of the European clubs."Sosa will undergo a medical on Thursday.
Atletico went into the mid-season break level on points with table-toppers Barcelona and will resume their league campaign at Malaga on Saturday before facing the Catalan giants a week later.
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