Fans favourites Arsenal have revived their Premiership hopes after jumping to the third position on the table with a lone goal away win at Wigan Athletic. The win, the third in a row for the Gunners, took their goal haul to 30 and saw them leapfrogging over Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, both of whom have 29 points but with outstanding games – two for Chelsea and one for Spur. Manchester United remain firmly on top with 42 points and defending champions Manchester City second with 36 points.

Arsenal were outplayed by the hosts but managed to keep a clean slate, bagging the all-important goal via Spaniard Mikel Arteta in the 60th minute. The architect of the goal was want-away Theo Walcott, who was brought down by Beausejour in the box in the 59th minute. The referee promptly pointed to the spot and Arteta stepped forward and found the net. All efforts by Wigan to level scores proved abortive.

The Gunners’ revival of fortunes means a breather for under pressure gaffer, Arsene Wenger, whose reign could suddenly come to an end if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

•Photo, courtesy Telegraph, shows Arteta celebrating the all-important goal for Arsenal.