Torres scores, sees red in Chelsea’s win

Van Persie scores his 100th goal for Arsenal in 3-0 win.

LONDON:

Fernando Torres grabbed his second goal in as many matches but was sent off for the first time in his Premier League career as Chelsea romped to a 4-1 win over over Swansea.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had no hesitations about including Torres in his starting line-up, despite his miss – after a goal – against United at Old Trafford. However, stalwart Frank Lampard, who is now back to full-fitness, had to settle for a place on the bench, along with Didier Drogba and David Luiz.

Torres was being well-marshalled by Swansea’s captain, Gary Monk, yet he did find some space in the 29th minute to put Chelsea in front with a neat shot on the turn past Michel Vorm. It proved to his last meaningful contribution as he was sent off by referee Mike Dean for a two-footed lunge two minutes later.

Century for van Persie

Robin van Persie brought up a century of goals for Arsenal as the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 victory against struggling Bolton.

Van Persie put his side ahead in the 46th minute with his 99th strike for the club before netting his 100th goal midway through the second half. By then, Bolton’s David Wheater had been sent off for a foul on Theo Walcott, ending the visitors’ hopes of staging a recovery.

It also ensured  Wenger’s side claimed only their second league win of the season while condemning Wanderers to a fifth successive defeat.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2011.