England round-up: Bolton comeback stuns Arsenal

Arsenal FC missed the chance to return to the top of the Premiership as Bolton Wanderers FC mounted a stirring late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw.

Missed chance
With leaders Manchester United FC away to Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday, Arsenal had the chance to move level on points at the top but ahead on goal difference.

Bolton begin brightly
However, the home side, belying their lowly league position, began the better, with Henrik Pedersen and Jay-Jay Okocha both going close in the opening period. The away side struggled to muster a threat in the first 45 minutes, but took the lead three minutes after half-time, as Thierry Henry burst past Bruno N'Gotty and gave Sylvain Witord a simple chance.

Second strike
It seemed Arsenal had sealed all three points eight minutes later, as Henry set up Robert Pires for a fine finish from the edge of the penalty area. However, 14 minutes from time Per Frandsen's shot hit the post and Youri Djorkaeff was on hand to give the home side hope.

Late equaliser
Six minutes later, it was 2-2, as Djorkaeff's free-kick glanced into the net off Arsenal defender Martin Keown, and the home side held on for a priceless point despite the late dismissal of Florent Laville for a second bookable offence.

Newcastle third
Newcastle United FC moved back into third place with a 1-0 win at local rivals and already-relegated Sunderland AFC. The decisive moment came after 43 minutes, as Kevin Kilbane brought down Craig Bellamy in the penalty area and Nolberto Solano converted the spot-kick to give Newcastle the victory.

Chelsea held
Chelsea FC slipped to fourth as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Fulham FC. An Alain Goma own goal gave Chelsea the lead seven minutes before half-time, but Fulham fought back in the second half and Luis Boa Morte's 69th-minute goal salvaged an important point for the visitors.

Four for Owen
Liverpool FC boosted their hopes of claiming a place in the UEFA Champions League with an emphatic 6-0 win at relegated West Bromwich Albion FC to move level on points with Chelsea. Michael Owen scored four times, with two Milan Baroš strikes completing a resounding victory.

Rooney’s late show
A last-gasp winner from Wayne Rooney meant Everton FC remained on course for a UEFA Cup place with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa FC. Marcus Allbäck had earlier given the visitors the lead, before Kevin Campbell equalised for Everton.
 
Charlton cheer
Charlton Athletic FC were 2-1 winners at home to Southampton FC, with goals either side of half-time from Scott Parker and Kevin Lisbie meaning James Beattie's late strike was little consolation. Meanwhile, goals from Christophe Dugarry, Stephen Clemence and Stan Lazaridis gave Birmingham City FC a 3-0 win at home to Middlesbrough FC.

Blackburn recovery
Mark Viduka gave Leeds United AFC a first-half lead against Blackburn Rovers FC, but goals from David Dunn, from the penalty spot, Andy Cole and Andrew Todd gave Blackburn three points, with Alan Smith scoring a late consolation for the home team.