ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Week 12

Arsenal FC remain unbeaten and ahead of Manchester United FC at the Premier League summit after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with the champions in London this afternoon.

Gallas the hero
William Gallas was the Arsenal hero, showing a striker's instincts to volley the ball in following a scramble with 90 seconds remaining. The Arsenal captain made amends for an earlier own goal, as he inadvertently turned a Wayne Rooney shot into his own net after the England forward had beaten the Frenchman to a Cristiano Ronaldo cross in added time at the end of the first half. The champions' lead was to last just two minutes, though, as Cesc Fabregas continued his marvellous form in front of goal by collecting a pass from Bacary Sagna near the penalty spot and dispatching the ball into the corner of the United net for his eleventh goal of the season.

Ronaldo goal
United went ahead for a second time in the 81st minute after a long kick from Edwin van der Sar had found Louis Saha deep in Arsenal territory. The French substitute played a delicious reverse pass to countryman Patrice Evra who was able to charge into the area and pick out Ronaldo who dispatched the ball with ease into the empty net. Evra almost put through his own net straight after, although there was still time for another goal as Gallas kept his cool to keep Arsenal ahead of their great rivals on goals scored but with a game in hand.

Chelsea climb
With Manchester City FC not in action until Monday, Chelsea FC claimed third spot by winning 2-0 at Wigan Athletic FC, Frank Lampard and Juliano Belletti scoring in a seventh successive victory. Portsmouth FC also rose by winning 4-1 at Newcastle United FC – three goals coming in the first eleven minutes – while Aston Villa FC (2-0 v Derby County FC), Everton FC (3-1 v Birmingham City FC) and ten-man Fulham FC (3-1 v Reading FC) also won. Juande Ramos failed to inspire Tottenham Hotspur FC to victory in his first Premier League match in charge as they drew 1-1 at Middlesbrough FC.The only goalless draw was at Ewood Park where Blackburn Rovers FC and Liverpool FC failed to find the net in the late kick-off.