Soccer-Premier League reports

LONDON, March 23 (Reuters) - Brief reports of Premier League matches played over the weekend:

Played Sunday:

CHELSEA 2 ARSENAL1

Didier Drogba scored twice in the closing 17 minutes to give Chelsea a vitally important 2-1 win over Arsenal on a pivotal day in the race for the Premier League title.

Bacary Sagna had scored his first goal for Arsenal after 59 minutes, but the home side fought back to extend their unbeaten home league record to 78 matches and stay five points behind United with seven matches to play. Arsenal, now without a win in five league games, slipped to third.

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MANCHESTER UNITED 3 LIVERPOOL 0

Champions Manchester United won for the fifth successive league game and strengthened their hold on their title with a convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool who were reduced to 10 men just before halftime at Old Trafford.

Javier Mascherano was red-carded for dissent just before halftime with Liverpool already trailing 1-0 to a rare Wes Brown goal after 34 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani scored twice in three minutes in the 79th and 81st minute to seal United#'s win.