Robin van Persie netted twice as Arsenal silenced any talk of a club in crisis with a 3-0 win over Newcastle in this afternoon's late Premier League kick off at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners continued from where they had left off against FC Twente in their midweek Champions League qualifier to totally outclass the Magpies. The Dutchman van Persie ? who endured an injury-plagued campaign last season ? struck from the penalty spot after Charles N'Zogbia handled after 18 minutes, which was no more than the resurgent hosts deserved. Another well-worked goal from van Persie followed before the break, with Brazil youngster Denilson hitting his first Premier League goal after more breathtaking, quick passing from Arsene Wenger's men ? who if they can maintain such displays look again set for a sustained title challenge. Paul Ince could not make a successful return to Upton Park after Blackburn went down 4-1 to West Ham in an entertaining clash. Jason Roberts missed a penalty and Robert Green made a number of saves as the Hammers claimed all three points. West Ham took the lead through a Calum Davenport header and went further ahead through a Christopher Samba own goal. Roberts pulled one back soon after but squandered a chance to level after Carlton Cole had been penalised for handball, Green saving his penalty. Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker both scored in injury time to give a lopsided impression of the game as Rovers were always dangerous in attack. Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe both scored as Portsmouth claimed a 3-0 victory at Everton for their first win of the season. Defoe gave the visitors the lead and then played in Glen Johnson to make it 2-0. Everton had the chance to get back into the game shortly into the second half when Johnson fouled James Vaughan in the area, but David James saved Yakubu's penalty against his former club. Crouch put the result beyond doubt when firing home after Defoe's shot had hit the bar. Hull were brought crashing down to earth as Wigan claimed a 5-0 win at the KC Stadium. The visitors went ahead through a Sam Ricketts own goal and extended the lead through Antonio Valencia following a through ball from Amr Zaki. Zaki made it three in the 63rd minute before Emile Heskey got in behind the defence and rounded the goalkeeper to make it 4-0 in the 69th minute. Zaki's long-range shot was then adjudged to have crossed the line to complete a miserable afternoon for Phil Brown's side. Middlesbrough had a host of chances but eventually just scraped home 2-1 against Stoke. The game turned on its head 10 minutes from half-time when Amdy Faye was sent off for serious foul play for a challenge on Mohamed Shawky. From the resulting free-kick Afonso Alves scored his first goal of the season with an unstoppable 25-yard shot. Boro were dominating but Tuncay, Stewart Downing and Jeremie Aliadiere all missed chances and they failed to take advantage of a spot-kick awarded when Seyi Olofinjana fouled Alves. Downing hit the crossbar and Stoke pulled level with a contentious goal which was given as an own-goal against debutant Justin Hoyte. Boro finally managed to get a second goal through Tuncay after everyone had stopped for offside five minutes from time. Bolton and West Brom played out a 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium. Scott Carson and Jussi Jaaskelainen each produced outstanding saves and Do-Heon Kim's long-range shot also came back off the bar. The Trotters were then denied a late winner after Kevin Davies was twice correctly ruled offside.
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle Bolton 0-0 West Brom Everton 0-3 Portsmouth Hull 0-5 Wigan Middlesbrough 2-1 Stoke West Ham 4-1 Blackburn *PA Sport