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| November 4, 2002 | Monday | Sha’aban 28,1423 |
Arsenal end losing streak at last
LONDON, Nov 3: Champions Arsenal ended their run of four successive defeats Sunday as an own goal by Steve Marlet gave them a 1-0 win at Fulham.
North and south west London also clashed as a fast-moving and passionate affair between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane produced countless chances but no goals.
It left Tottenham still searching for their first home league win over Chelsea in 15 years and with only one victory anywhere over their London rivals in 30 meetings.
One long-standing record did go Sunday, however, as 17-year-old striking sensation Wayne Rooney gave Everton a 1-0 victory over Leeds United, their first win at Elland Road in 51 years.
Arsenal’s victory took them to 26 points, four adrift of leaders Liverpool, who beat West Ham United 2-0 Saturday. Manchester United are third on 22.
Chelsea lie fourth and Tottenham fifth, with Everton up to sixth, all on 20 points. Blackburn stay seventh, on 19, after a goalless home draw with Aston Villa.
Arsenal had lost twice in the Champions League and twice in the league — their worst run for 19 years — and desperately needed to end the run to close the gap on Liverpool.
They looked a little edgy at Loftus Road and were lucky not to give away a penalty when Sol Campbell brought down Luis Boa Morte early on.
Relief arrived in the 31st minute when French striker Marlet attempted to clear a low Thierry Henry corner but only succeeded in slicing the ball into his own net.
Rooney was the history-maker at Elland Road as he added another chapter to the fairytale start to his professional career.
The young forward came off the bench in the 75th minute Sunday and within five minutes expertly turned past experienced South African defender Lucas Radebe before driving into the box and shooting low beyond Paul Robinson.
Leeds have not won in their last six league games and are 13th in the standings on 14 points.
In the day’s other game, a relegation battle at The Valley, a well-struck shot by Norwegian striker Tore Andre Flo had Sunderland ahead after 15 minutes but defender Gary Rowett bundled in a deserved equaliser for Charlton Athletic 13 minutes from time.
Sunday’s results:
Blackburn Rovers 0 Aston Villa 0
Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Leeds United 0 Everton 1
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Chelsea 0
Charlton 1 Sunderland 1
Played Saturday:
Birmingham City 3 Bolton Wanderers 1
Liverpool 2 West Ham United 0
Manchester United 2 Southampton 1
West Bromwich Albion 1 Manchester City 2
—Reuters
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