Arsenal grind out win to move third

Arsenal FC leapfrogged Chelsea FC into third in the Premier League table after prevailing 1-0 at Fulham FC in a game that both sides finished with ten men.

Steve Sidwell's 12th-minute dismissal aided Arsenal's cause and they took the lead just before the break, Per Mertesacker heading in from close range after Theo Walcott's free-kick had been flicked on. The Gunners defended stoutly thereafter and made the short trip home with a vital three points despite a late sending off for striker Olivier Giroud.

Meanwhile, the UEFA Champions League aspirations of Everton FC, who stifled Arsène Wenger's team in midweek, were dented by a 1-0 loss at Sunderland AFC. Paolo Di Canio's resurgent Black Cats had Stéphane Sessegnon's edge-of-the-area goal to thank for a first win in this contest since 2001. The Toffees are five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, who have two games in hand. 

Sunderland are one of a clutch of teams six points clear of the relegation zone. That group includes Stoke City FC, who won for the only the second time in 2013, 2-0 at Queens Park Rangers FC, a result which leaves Harry Redknapp's team even deeper in the relegation mire.

Elsewhere, Wigan Athletic FC's chances of survival were dealt a blow in their visit to West Ham United FC, where goals from Matt Jarvis and Kevin Nolan resigned them to a 2-0 defeat. The Latics are three points adrift of safety.