Arsenal defeated Reading 2-0 in the Premiership clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto scored in the 30th and 38th minute respectively.

The Gunners dominated the proceedings and could have easily won by a bigger margin, had they been lucky. Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, both struck the frame of the goal in the second period.

Reading’s best move culminated in a Bobby Convey shot from right side of the penalty area that was deflected away for a corner by Jens Lehmann.

Royals substitute Michael Duberry came up with a goalline clearance to a shot from Cesc Fabregas after the advancing Marcus Hahnemann could only manage to get a slight touch on the ball, in the late stages of the second half.

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure picked up a suspected groin problem and the Ivorian international was replaced by compatriot Emmanuel Eboue.

Arsene Wenger’s side remain in the third place in the table, while Steve Coppell’s Royals have three games remaining to avoid getting sucked into the drop zone as currently they are only three points above the bottom-three.

Teams

Arsenal: Jens Lehmann, William Gallas, Kolo Toure (Emmanuel Eboue 60), Gaël Clichy, Gilberto Silva, Alexander Hleb (Denilson 74), Francesc Fabregas, Alexandre Song Billong, Emmanuel Adebayor (Nicklas Bendtner 73), Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes not used: Vito Mannone, Philippe Senderos.

Reading: Marcus Hahnemann, Graeme Murty, Ivar Ingimarsson, Liam Rosenior, Ibrahima Sonko (Michael Duberry 73), Andre Bikey, James Harper (Emerse Fae 73), Bobby Convey, Kalifa Cisse, Jimmy Kebe (Marek Matejovsky 79), Dave Kitson.

Substitutes not used: Adam Federici, Kevin Doyle.