United pay the penalty

Liverpool FC consolidated their hold on fourth place in the Premiership with a narrow 1-0 win at traditional rivals Manchester United FC.

Champions League bid
The three points strengthened Liverpool's bid to earn a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, although Newcastle United FC can join Liverpool on 53 points with victory at home to Chelsea FC on Sunday. United, meanwhile, remained a point behind second-placed Chelsea.

Cool head
The only goal of the game arrived from the penalty spot 18 minutes into the second half, as Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard burst forward from midfield and into the United area only to be stopped in his tracks by a challenge from English international team-mate Gary Neville. Danny Murphy converted the spot-kick to earn three vital points.

Villa victory
With leaders Arsenal FC visiting north London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday afternoon, the focus was on the sides hoping to challenge for places in European competition. Aston Villa FC earned an unlikely 2-1 win at Middlesbrough FC to move fifth despite losing midfield player Nolberto Solano to a red card early in the second half.

Late strike
Joseph Desiré Job had put Middlesbrough in front four minutes before the interval, only for Gareth Barry to equalise on the stroke of half-time. Villa stood firm in the face of strong pressure from the home team after Solano's dismissal, and stole all three points thanks to Peter Crouch's winner a minute from time.

Fulham success
Fulham FC reinvigorated their UEFA Cup challenge at the expense of Charlton Athletic FC, a Steed Malbranque 18th-minute penalty and Sean Davis' second-half goal securing a 2-0 success.

Honours even
At the bottom of the table, the game between Leicester City FC and Manchester City FC ended 1-1, Michael Tarnat putting the visitors in front in the final minute of the first period. James Scowcroft equalised midway through the second half, but the home side squandered a gilt-edged chance to take all three points as Paul Dickov had a late penalty saved by David James.

Away wins
Other struggling sides are in action on Sunday, Leeds United AFC meeting Portsmouth FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC travelling to Birmingham City FC. Jonathan Stead's late goal gave Blackburn Rovers FC a 1-0 win at Everton FC, while two goals in two minutes from Kevin Nolan and Kevin Davies earned Bolton Wanderers FC three points after Marian Pahars had put home side Southampton FC in front.

West Brom return
West Bromwich Albion FC - who were relegated from the Premiership last season - confirmed their return to the top flight today as third-placed Sunderland AFC were held at Wigan Athletic FC. Norwich City FC also won promotion from the first division in midweek.