Arsenal extended their lead at the Barclays Premier League summit to five points - but Blackburn Rovers made them work every inch of the way to defend Philippe Senderos' opener and seal a 2-0 win.

Senderos struck early on at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners could have added more, only for Brad Friedel to put in a polished performance to keep the visitors in the match.

Mark Hughes' men even threatened themselves at times but Arsenal held on, with Emmanuel Adebayor adding a second in stoppage-time to take advantage of their title rivals dropping points at the weekend.

Arsene Wenger's men were the beneficiaries of results at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge - and now have 12 matches remaining to make the most of their lead in search of their first title since the Invincibles of 2004.

Their opener came as early as the fourth minute after Tugay received a poor pass in midfield, with Eduardo racing through but getting denied through a combination of Andre Ooijer and then Zurab Khizanishvili.

Senderos then headed Eduardo's corner powerfully beyond Friedel after slipping the attentions of Benni McCarthy.

It was Senderos' second of the season, sparking robust celebrations from the Switzerland centre-back with his team-mates.

Adebayor could have added a second shortly after but headed wide from Eduardo's free-kick, while Steven Reid glanced a header well wide at the other end.

Mathieu Flamini should have added a second midway through the first half. Adebayor's cross field ball was headed beyond the Blackburn defence by Cesc Fabregas, who was deployed on the right flank, but Flamini's effort was saved by Friedel with his legs.

Arsenal threats came from all areas, with Alexander Hleb going on a mazy run past three defenders but getting halted in the penalty area.

Captain William Gallas also went on a powerful run but his effort was deflected wide after exchanging passes with Eduardo.

Arsenal have been guilty of failing to kill off teams in the past, and without a second goal for the hosts, Blackburn edged their way back into the match.

Blackburn's threat came from the delivery of David Bentley, who Arsenal knew so well from his time at the club before heading north two years ago. Bentley caused problems with his crosses but the visitors still struggled for clear chances.

Brett Emerton's cross from the right pierced the Arsenal defence but McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz could only glance their headers when power was required.

Santa Cruz also hooked over the crossbar from Stephen Warnock's cross late in the first half.

Sensing a way back into the match, Bentley almost embarrassed Jens Lehmann early in the second period with a free-kick around the blindside of the defensive wall.

Lehmann was down at his near post to scramble clear in only his second Barclays Premier League match since his mistake against Rovers at the start of the season.

Hleb struck the post at the other end in the next move after Eduardo picked him out on the edge of the area, then Friedel was forced to save with his legs again when Adebayor sped past Ooijer and got a shot away.

Fabregas almost made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, drilling just wide from the edge of the area after Adebayor's cushioned pass.

Adebayor then went close himself, cutting inside and unleashing a shot that Friedel was down sharply to save. He then forced the American to block at his feet.

Friedel also saved from a swerving effort from Hleb to keep the visitors in the match.

The second came in stoppage time, Adebayor rifling into the bottom corner from Hleb's pass.