LONDON -- For many observers, Arsenal needed to beat a major rival to prove its worthiness as a title contender in the English Premier League. The team responded with a thrilling performance and two superb individual goals from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, beating Liverpool 2-0 and moving five points clear at the top of the table on Saturday. Cazorlas goal to open the scoring was a symbol of Arsenals determination and resolve to prove their critics wrong. Mikel Arteta released Bacary Sagna down the right in the 19th minute and the full backs excellent cross was headed firmly onto the post by Cazorla. The Spanish midfielder didnt give up, collecting the rebound and volleying into the upper left corner. Arsenal sealed the victory in the 59th when Ramsey received a clipped pass from Mesut Ozil, dribbled forward and patiently waited for the ball to bounce up in front of him before unleashing a thunderous shot that dipped over the outstretched hand of Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. "It was an important win for the team, for the club," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "I dont think anyone will dispute we deserved to win today." The match was a big test for Arsenal because critics believed the team moved to the league summit against relatively easy opposition. Liverpool was in second place going into the match and now sits third, behind Chelsea on an inferior goal difference. In their previous two home games, the Gunners faced strong opposition and lost both games -- to Borrussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stage and to Chelsea in the League Cup. After those defeats, some said Arsenal would wither against its main rivals like Liverpool. "We needed to respond today," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "It was important to convince people that you can win the big games and to do in a convincing fashion." Wenger was especially pleased with the clean sheet and how the team defended, shutting down the dangerous strike partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. "Our defensive performance was outstanding," he said. Arsenals league form has been stellar since losing the opening match to Aston Villa, with the London club winning eight and drawing one. Up until Cazorlas goal, the teams were engaged in a midfield battle and neither gained a foothold in front of 60,000 spectators at Emirates Stadium. Liverpool pressed high up the pitch, but Arsenal managed to stifle the visitors rhythm and was content to build from the back. Cazorlas goal invigorated Arsenal and the home team began to surge forward. The midfielder nearly scored a second but a flying save from Mignolet denied him. Sturridge had the only meaningful chance of the first half for the visitors, but his weak, 20-yard shot was easily caught by Wojciech Szczesny. But Liverpool started the second half brightly, with Suarez creating danger on several occasions. Liverpool had a chance for a late consolation goal, but Suarez chose to shoot across the face of goal instead of setting up strike partner Sturridge at the far post and the Uruguayans effort missed. "It was a game they (Arsenal) deserved to win," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "They had the greater control. Were disappointed with the two goals we conceded." Rodgers only grievance was a chance in the first half. Suarez took a quick free kick after being fouled by Sagna, which released Sturridge, who crossed to Jordan Henderson for an easy tap-in. But the referee disallowed the goal, pulled play back and cautioned Sagna. The Liverpool manager spoke after the match with the referee, who told him he had to stop play to book Sagna. "I dont agree with it, but overall I thought the referee did a good job," Rodgers said. Arsenals next two fixtures are tough ones, away matches against Dortmund and Manchester United. Midfielder Jack Wilshere missed Saturdays match with an inflamed ankle and it wasnt clear if he would be ready for Wednesdays clash against Dortmund. Liverpool was missing right back Glen Johnson. He had to pull out of the match about a half hour before the team was to be named and was taken to a hospital with an unspecified illness, Rodgers said. Oliver Drake Jersey . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun the international tournament will likely return in September 2016 rather than 2015. Austin Meadows Rays Jersey .com) - Colorado may be ahead of the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference standings, but they are a club that the Avalanche may want to avoid in the playoffs. https://www.cheapraysonline.com/1406i-br...ersey-rays.html. 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Hamels threw seven sharp innings to earn his 100th career victory, Domonic Brown had a career-best five RBIs and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-1 on Saturday night to end a four-game losing streak.OAKLAND, Calif. -- Outfielder Sam Fuld has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics that includes an invitation to big league spring training. Assistant general manager David Forst confirmed the deal Tuesday. Fuld, 32, would receive an $800,000, one-year contract if hes added to the 40-man roster. The two-time defending AL West champion As have a deep outfield already, with returning starters Yoenis Cesppedes in left field, Coco Crisp in centre and Josh Reddick in right.dddddddddddd Fuld batted .199 with two home runs and 17 RBIs in 119 games for Tampa Bay last season. Also Tuesday, Oakland promoted Farhan Zaidi to assistant general manager/director of baseball operations. 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