Beattie strike sinks Arsenal

Everton FC striker James Beattie's first-half strike condemned Arsenal FC to their sixth away defeat of the season in the English Premiership while Tottenham Hotspur FC remained fourth in the table despite being held at home.

Beattie winner
At Goodison Park, Beattie took advantage of some hesitant defending by Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell to beat Jens Lehmann from just inside the penalty area in the 13th minute. Thereafter the visitors failed to break through a well-organised home side, although Fredrik Ljungberg hit the post before half-time but Arsenal never really got into their stride and their frustration at another disappointing away performance was epitomised by Cesc Fabregas, who was sent off in the closing minutes for his part in a fracas with Tim Cahill.

Tottenham held
Tottenham extended their lead over their north London rivals to four points, and although they are still very much in contention for England's fourth UEFA Champions League place, will be frustrated at their failure to earn more than a point after a disappointing goalless draw at home to Aston Villa FC, who ended the match with ten men after Gareth Barry's late dismissal.

Wigan victory
Wigan Athletic FC moved level with Arsenal on 37 points after a thrilling 3-2 win away at struggling Middlesbrough FC. Jason Roberts and debutant David Thompson gave the visitors a commanding half-time lead but Middlesbrough restored parity through strikers Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Yakubu Ayegbeni, only for the another player making his Wigan debut, Neil Mellor, to score an added-time winner.

Bolton buoyant
Bolton Wanderers FC moved up into seven position after a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City FC thanks to goals from Jared Borgetti and Kevin Nolan. At the other end of the table, Newcastle United FC lost at home to Blackburn Rovers FC after Morten Gamst Pedersen's solitary strike, while Birmingham City FC moved above opponents Portsmouth FC with an emphatic 5-0 win, Jirí Jarosík, Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Upson, Mikael Forssell and David Dunn all finding the net.

Sunday fixtures
In Saturday's late game, bottom side Sunderland AFC picked up only their second victory of the season as French striker Anthony Le Tallec earned a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion FC. On Sunday, champions and leaders Chelsea FC are at home to Charlton Athletic FC looking to cement their 16-point cushion at the top, while second plays third at Old Trafford as Manchester United FC take on Liverpool FC.