Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor reacts after scoring a goal during their English Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates stadium, London, yesterday. Arsenal won 2-0. - AP

LONDON (AP):

Philippe Senderos and Emmanuel Adebayor scored yesterday to give Arsenal a 2-0 win over Blackburn that moved the Gunners five points clear atop the English Premier League.

The Switzerland defender headed a fourth-minute corner for just his second goal of the season and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel made a string of saves before Adebayor secured the victory in injury time. The victory at Emirates Stadium moved Arsenal to 63 points and completed a good two days for the club, which is seeking to regain the title it last won in 2004.

Defending champion Manchester United lost ground when they were beaten 2-1 by visiting crosstown rival Manchester City on Sunday, while third-place Chelsea drew 0-0 with Liverpool and are another three points further back.

Key save

Senderos put Arsenal ahead with his header from Eduardo da Silva's corner and Friedel made his first key save midway through the first half when he blocked a shot with his legs from Mathieu Flamini, who was bearing down on goal unmarked.

The 36-year-old Friedel, who has not missed a league game for the past four seasons, twice denied Adebayor and Hleb once before the Togo striker scored a right-footed shot from Hleb's pass for his 19th goal of the season.