LONDON, April 25: League leaders Arsenal took a step closer to becoming English champions Wednesday after a controversial 2-0 victory over West Ham United at Highbury.

At the other end of the table, Ipswich Town improved their slim chances of avoiding the drop by beating Middlesbrough 1-0, Darren Bent getting the winner.

Late goals from an outstanding Freddie Ljungberg and substitute Nwankwo Kanu sealed Arsenal’s victory, but West Ham were denied what television pictures suggested was a goal for Frederic Kanoute at the end of the first half.

Kanoute rounded both skipper Tony Adams and goalkeeper David Seaman, only for defender Ashley Cole to whip the tap-in back out — apparently from behind the line.

The win gave Arsenal 78 points, four ahead of Liverpool and five clear of reigning champions Manchester United — with just three games left to play in the season.

Wednesday’s clash was reminiscent of Arsenal’s 2-0 weekend win over Ipswich, secured with two late goals from Ljungberg.

This time, the Swede struck in the 77th minute, collecting a through ball and steering his shot past David James, while Kanu bagged the second from close range three minutes later.

At Portman Road, Bent scored his first premier league goal for the club and Ipswich’s first win in 11 league games.

The victory leaves the Tractor Boys on 36 points — two less than Sunderland.

However, the Suffolk club are still favourites to go down to the first division because of their opponents in their remaining two fixtures — title chasers Manchester United and Liverpool.—Reuters

Arsenal 2 West Ham Utd 0

Ipswich Town 1 Middlesbrough 0