Touch of Jesus as Arsenal win

London, January 31

Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest to kick off the midweek fixtures on Tuesday, while Luton Town moved out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 rout of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fourth-placed Aston Villa suffered a 1-3 home defeat by Newcastle United, Crystal Palace came from behind to beat visiting Sheffield United 3-2 and struggling pair Fulham and Everton fought out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus scored and then set up Bukayo Saka’s goal seven minutes later at the City Ground and despite conceding late on the Gunners survived a nervy finish to move up to second place and within two points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. They are on 46 points after 22 matches and climbed above Manchester City, who have 43 from 20.

Despite having 74 per cent possession and 19 shots, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side did not break the deadlock until the 65th minute when Jesus scored from a very tight angle. — Reuters

Asian Cup: Japan advance to quarters

Doha: Japan maintained their pursuit of a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title today by advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win against Bahrain. The pre-tournament favourites have bounced back from a surprise 1-2 loss against Iraq in the group stage and will play either Iran or Syria in the next round. Goals from Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda secured Japan’s place in the last-eight stage , while Zion Suzuki’s own goal was the only consolation for Bahrain. AP