Cesc puts Arsenal back on track

Arsenal FC took a major step towards next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 win against Bolton Wanderers FC but Saturday's games brought grief for West Ham United FC.

Barren spell
Arsène Wenger's Arsenal side ended a barren spell in the Premiership against the team directly below them in the table. Former Gunner Nicolas Anelka had put the visitors ahead at the Arsenal Stadium after eleven minutes, but Czech midfielder Tomáš Rosický equalised after 31 minutes before Cesc Fabregas struck the winner soon after the restart.

Two-point gap
Bolton ended the game with ten men after Iván Campo was sent off late on, and are now five points adrift of Arsenal in fifth place, having played a game more. The London side are still in fourth, but are within two points of third-placed Liverpool FC after Rafael Benítez's side were held to a goalless draw at Manchester City FC.

Hammers blow
West Ham's hopes of avoiding relegation took a major blow as they lost 3-0 against fellow strugglers Sheffield United FC. Michael Tonge, Phil Jagielka and Jonathan Stead scored at Bramall Lane to lift the Yorkshire club out of the bottom three and leave their visitors five points from safety.

Fulham gloom
In Saturday's other games Aston Villa FC won 3-1 at Middlesbrough FC, while Fulham FC's relegation troubles deepened with a 1-0 defeat at Reading FC in their first game under Lawrie Sanchez. Portsmouth FC won 2-1 at home against Newcastle United FC to keep their UEFA Cup hopes alive.