Browsing: English Premier League

Both sides spurned chances throughout the encounter but Rooney, the England striker, showed fine composure to take advantage of a Philippe Senderos mistake to net the winner with just 11 minutes to play

The hosts were unchanged from their 2-1 midweek win over Aston Villa, while Rafa Benitez elected to play Demba Ba from the start on his return to St James’ Park and gave John Terry a first Premier League start for nearly three months after a knee injury

Pablo Zabaleta’s diving header and a disallowed Sergio Aguero goal were as close as Roberto Mancini’s side came to breaking the deadlock, leaving the Premier League champions cursing a missed opportunity to keep pace with Manchester United

Robin Van Persie had headed United ahead in the 25th minute before the visitors produced a resilient backs-to-the-wall display under a barrage of Tottenham pressure, with visiting goalkeeper David De Gea making a number of crucial saves

The away side barely troubled their opposition all night but the Rafa Benitez’s side were unable to capitalise on their dominance as, without Eden Hazard and Juan Mata, they struggled to create against a stout QPR defence

At the Emirates Stadium, Theo Walcott scored three goals and set up two more as Arsenal overcame Newcastle in a 10-goal thriller and climbed to fifth in the Premier League