Van Persie rescues Arsenal

Robin van Persie shrugged off the controversy surrounding his recent contribution to the diving debate to strike the match-winner as Arsenal fended off a spirited Fulham to claim a valuable 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Van Persies admission that he exaggerates contact inside the penalty area in a bid to win spot-kicks caused raised eyebrows before the Gunners trip to Craven Cottage. But the Holland striker showed the other side of his game when produced an outstanding second-half finish that prevented his side dropping more valuable points. The result was harsh on Fulham who had the better chances and were denied largely because of an outstanding display by Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone.

Arsenals back four was getting stretched and they received little help from their team mates further down the pitch who gave away possession much too easily.

Chelseas perfect start ended with a 3-1 loss at Wigan,allowing defending champions Manchester United to go top,winning 2-0 at Stoke. Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was sent off early in the second half for tripping Hugo Rodallega,who proceeded to make it 2-1. United moved above Chelsea on goal difference after Ryan Giggs came off the bench to provide goals for Dimitar Berbatov and John OShea.

Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick in Liverpools 6-1 win over Hull,and Robbie Keane hit four goals as Tottenham thrashed Burnley 5-0.