Thierry Henry struck a superb hat-trick as English champions Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the premier league with a 3-1 victory over 10-man West Ham United on Sunday.
The imperious France striker took his league goals tally to 17 for the season with an early penalty, his first ever headed goal in England's top division and a calm finish late in the game at Highbury.
West Ham battled hard but were in trouble from the moment Steve Lomas was sent off in conceding the penalty after 14 minutes, although they were level for a time through Jermain Defoe's 40th-minute goal.
The defeat meant the Hammers slipped back to the bottom of the table, below West Bromwich Albion on goal difference.
At the top Arsenal have 52 points from 24 games, with Manchester United, who beat Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday, second on 47. Newcastle, having played a game less, are third on 42 points.
In Sunday's other match Sean Davis scored the winner as Fulham gained a much-needed 1-0 home victory over travel-sick Middlesbrough.
The game at Highbury started badly for West Ham when Lomas pulled back Robert Pires in the penalty area with the Frenchman bearing down on the visitors' goal.
West Ham disputed the decision but Lomas was sent off, and Henry calmly converted the spot kick.
Arsenal created numerous chances after that but an air of complacency set in and, when Brazilian Edu carelessly left his pass back short, Defoe pounced to shoot low past David Seaman.
After the break West Ham defended manfully until 19 minutes from time when Dennis Bergkamp crossed from the right and Henry headed gleefully past West Ham's outstanding goalkeeper David James to make it 2-1.
HAPPY WENGER
West Ham claimed the Dutch forward had struck Lee Bowyer in the face with his hand before crossing, but their protests were in vain.
Henry, who reached his century of Arsenal goals last Sunday, then wrapped up the victory four minutes from the end when he converted a Pires pass as West Ham were caught on the break.
It was the Frenchman's second hat-trick of the season following his Champions League treble against AS Roma in November and his third in all for Arsene Wenger's team.
"We are happy because we got the three points," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports television, who admitted his team had been made to fight for victory.
"Subconsciously we lost our sharpness and concentration a bit (after Lomas's dismissal). It was important not to panic and keep our patience."
At Loftus Road Fulham thoroughly deserved their first victory in six league games over a Middlesbrough team who have now lost their last eight away premier league games, failing to score a single goal in the process.
Davis's deft finish after 39 minutes was enough to lift Jean Tigana's side up a place to 15th, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
More from rediff