LONDON, Aug 28: English champions Arsenal powered their way to the top of the Premiership on Tuesday with a thumping 5-2 win over top-flight newcomers West Bromwich Albion at Highbury.

In the night’s other match, an eighth minute goal from Welsh international Simon Davies gave Tottenham a 1-0 win at London rivals Charlton.

West Brom, who have lost their opening three league fixtures, fell behind after just three minutes.

Nwankwo Kanu, recalled because of Dennis Bergkamp’s calf injury, spotted Cole’s storming run down the left flank and lobbed the ball deftly into England the full-back’s path.

Cole twisted outside and then inside Darren Moore before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner.

In the 21st minute West Brom were hit by a second sucker-punch.

Kanu was again the provider, cutting the ball back for Lauren, who crashed his shot home from close range.

Worse was to follow for the visitors three minutes later.

This time Thierry Henry provided the inspiration, chipping a pass towards Wiltord, who escaped the offside trap and lofted the ball over West Brom goalkeeper Russell Hoult.

Arsenal sat back on their lead and gave West Brom a lifeline in the 51st minute.

Cole hashed a clearance near his own penalty area and the ball fell nicely for Scott Dobie who side-footed the ball under David Seaman’s body.

Martin Keown was then extremely lucky to escape with a booking when he held back Dobie just as the striker looked set to race clear on goal.

As it was, referee Paul Durkin played advantage and Dobie’s shot was tipped over by Seaman.

Arsenal put the game beyond reach 13 minutes from time when Wiltord latched onto Cole’s inch-perfect cross and clipped a shot past Hoult.

There was still time for West Brom to pull another goal back, with Jason Roberts eluding Martin Keown before firing past Seaman.

But Arsenal had the last word and teenager Aliadiere, the latest exciting youngster to emerge from the Highbury production line, completed the scoring late in the last minute.

Davies’ early goal put Tottenham second behind their north London rivals Arsenal.

The Welshman’s strike leaves Glenn Hoddle’s side equal on points with the reigning champions who head them on goal difference.

Results

Arsenal 5 (Cole 3, Lauren 21, Wiltord 24, 77, Aliadiere 90) West Brom 2 (Dobie 51, Roberts 87)

Charlton 0 Tottenham 1 (Davies 8)

InterToto Cup finals results

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart (Ger) 2 (Balakov 81, Kuranyi 88) Lille (Fra) 0

Stuttgart win 2-1 on aggregate and qualify for UEFA Cup

London

Fulham (Eng) 3 (Inamoto 12, 47, 50) Bologna (Ita) 1 (Locatelli 34)

Fulham win 5-3 on aggregate and qualify for UEFA Cup

Malaga, Spain

Malaga (Spa) 1 (Roteta 32) Villarreal (Spa) 1 (Aranda 61)

Malaga win 2-1 on aggregate and qualify for UEFA Cup