World Soccer

Premier League action on Saturday was overshadowed by the broken leg suffered by Arsenal’s Eduardo.

Premier League leaders Arsenal suffered a double blow at 10-man Birmingham City on Saturday, conceding a stoppage-time penalty in a 2-2 draw and striker Eduardo da Silva breaking his left leg.

James McFadden equalised for Birmingham in the 95th minute after Theo Walcott’s first league goals for Arsenal early in the second half had put the Londoners 2-1 ahead and on course for an eight-point lead in the title race.

The match was overshadowed by a third-minute tackle by Martin Taylor on Eduardo. The Brazilian-born Croatia international needed around 10 minutes of treatment before being taken to hospital with an oxygen mask over his mouth.

Taylor was shown a straight red card before McFadden gave Birmingham a surprise halftime lead.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick blame Taylor after watching his side drop vital points.

“The tackle was horrendous and this guy (Taylor) should never play football again,” Wenger told BBC television.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish defended Taylor over the tackle that left Eduardo with such a severe injury Sky Sports television refused to show replays.

“Martin is distraught,” said McLeish. “It’s not in his nature to commit a malicious tackle. He didn’t feel there was much contact.”

Champions Manchester United seized their chance to reduce Arsenal’s lead to three points when they thrashed Newcastle United 5-1 away from home Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both scoring twice at St James’ Park.

Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick for Liverpool in a 3-2 home victory over Middlesbrough that moved them above Everton into fourth place.

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