10 April 2004	Saturday	19 Safar 1425

LONDON, April 9: A Thierry Henry hat trick put Arsenal firmly on course for the Premier League title after they ended a torrid week with a 4-2 win over Liverpool at Highbury on Friday.

The win gives Arsenal, now unbeaten for 31 games from the start of the season, a seven-point lead over Chelsea with both clubs having seven matches remaining. Chelsea, who have 70 points, play Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Arsenal found themselves 2-1 down at halftime with Sami Hyypia and Michael Owen on target for Liverpool and Henry replying for the home side. But two goals within two minutes at the start of the second half, the first from Robert Pires and then a brilliant second from Henry, gave them the lead.

Henry passed a late fitness test on a back injury to make the starting lineup and grabbed his hat trick in the 78th minute, his 25th league goal of the season. Arsenal, who are heading for their 13th league title, are back in action again on Sunday at Newcastle, while Liverpool host Charlton Athletic on Monday.

In the other Premier League match on Friday, Everton were to host Tottenham Hotspur in an evening fixture. -Reuters