Arsenal back on top in Premiership

LONDON, England -- Free-scoring Arsenal notched their 1,000th Premier League goal as a 3-1 win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium saw them leapfrog champions Manchester United at the top in England.

Arsene Wenger's men never looked back after Mathieu Flamini broke the deadlock just before half-time in Monday night's match.

Second half strikes by Emmanuel Adebayor, with the goal that took Arsenal to the goalscoring landmark, and Alexander Hleb made it 3-0 before England defender Nicky Shorey scored a late consolation for the home side.

Arsenal, who are unbeaten this season, top United on goals scored, both sides having 30 points, but the Gunners have played a game less.

And after watching his side extend their unbeaten run to 27 games, manager Arsene Wenger could not conceal his delight.

"We have the potential and the hunger," he said. "There is massive potential, we still need to learn a few things to win the games against the bigger teams but we are in charge at the moment and are the team to beat.

"It is enjoyable to watch and work with this team. They are young, keen to learn and very talented. Things are going very well."

Arsenal took time to find their usual fluid passing game in a tight first half, with Adebayor going close early on as his shot hit the outside of the post with keeper Marcus Hahnemann beaten.

Reading, thrashed 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, offered little threat aside from Brynjar Gunnarsson's fierce shot, but looked set to hold out until half time.

Then a quick interchange of passes set Hleb free on the right and he cut back for Flamini to score his first of the season just before the break.

Arsenal dominated at the start of the second half and another sweet passing move saw Togo star Adebayor twice involved as he interchanged with Cesc Fabregas and placed the ball low into the far right corner to end his eight-match goal drought.

Adebayor looked to have scored again from Tomas Rosicky's center only to be ruled out for a dubious offside, but the Arsenal third came 13 minutes from time.

Hleb was on target after a moment of superb individual brilliance to fox Hahnemann on the edge of the area and score neatly.

Shorey hit the base of the post with a free kick as Reading sort a consolation and the left back was on hand to score from six meters out after indecision in the Arsenal defense.

Man of the match Fabregas told Setanta Sports that they were strong contenders for the Premiership title.

"They (Reading) are a very good side. They try to play football. But when we play as a team it's very difficult for others, once again it was a great performance from us," said the Spaniard.

"If we keep going like this we have good chance (of winning the Premier League). The season is very long and we'll have to fight for our place at the top." E-mail to a friend