Henry sinks Wigan, Chelsea hit form
Wigan Athletic's six-game winning streak in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday with a 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in a rip-roaring clash at the JJB Stadium.
Leaders Chelsea got back to winning ways with a 3-0 defeat of Newcastle United while Manchester United began life without Roy Keane by beating Charlton Athletic 3-1 at the Valley.
Wigan's record home crowd were treated to a pulsating first half in which a classy Arsenal raced into a 2-0 lead after 21 minutes with goals from Robin Van Persie and Thierry Henry.
Henri Camara gave second-placed Wigan a lifeline with a diving header after 28 minutes, only for Henry to restore Arsenal's two-goal cushion with a delicious free kick past Wigan goalkeeper John Filan.
Wigan, who have enjoyed a superb start to their first season in the top flight, hit back again on the stroke of halftime when Jimmy Bullard's deft turn left Sol Campbell on his backside before shooting past Jens Lehmann.
Arsenal survived some late pressure to hold on for a first away league victory of the season, although Wigan boss Paul Jewell was far from downhearted.
"We can take a lot of positives out of that," Jewell told Sky Sports. "We showed great character to get back into the game. At the end, they were playing with three centre halves on the pitch which was a back-handed compliment to us."
Champions Chelsea were frustrated during a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge where midfielder Frank Lampard equalled the Premier league record of 149 consecutive appearances.
Second-half goals from Joe Cole, Hernan Crespo and Damien Duff secured the victory to get them back to winning ways after the defeat by Manchester United two weeks ago and extend their lead at the top to nine points.
"They are not the easiest side to play against, they are well-organised," Mourinho said. "But, after the first goal, the confidence returned."
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