Arsenal wipe out United's lead

Arsenal FC took advantage of Manchester United FC's inaction to move joint-top of the English Premiership with a 4-1 win against Middlesbrough FC.

Henry penalty
With Arsenal, still unbeaten in the Premiership, and Middlesbrough set to meet three more times in the next three weeks win the FA and League Cups, Thierry Henry ensured the Londoners made the first mark on 38 minutes when he converted a penalty. The Frenchman then had a shot deflected in by Frank Queudrue just before half-time.

Ljungberg clincher
Robert Pires scored the third in the 57th minute, and eleven minutes later Fredrik Ljungberg turned in Nwankwo Kanu's cross. Massimo Maccarone converted a late penalty for Middlesbrough, to leave Arsenal and United dead level on all criteria. United can restore their lead tomorrow when they welcome Newcastle United FC, while third-placed Chelsea FC, who trail the top two by seven points, visit Leicester City FC.

Euell double
Charlton Athletic FC held on to fourth place thanks to a 2-0 win at home to bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Jason Euell scored both goals on 38 and 79 minutes. Liverpool FC are still within two points of Charlton after overcoming Aston Villa FC 1-0 courtesy of Mark Delaney's 36th-minute own goal.

Close behind
Fulham FC are close behind in sixth following a 2-1 victory against Everton FC, Louis Saha scoring a penalty just before the break and Steed Malbranque claiming the second just after half-time, leaving Kevin Kilbane's late goal as only a consolation.

Leeds struggle
Portsmouth FC sent Leicester into the relegation zone with a 4-2 victory at home to fellow strugglers Manchester City FC. City led 2-1 at the break, but Yakubu Ayegbeni scored either side of a Teddy Sheringham goal to take Portsmouth to victory. Leeds United AFC are further adrift after losing 1-0 to a goal from their former striker Robbie Keane against Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Bolton's derby delight
In an exciting Lancashire derby, Bolton Wanderers FC came from 3-1 behind on 34 minutes to beat Blackburn Rovers FC 4-3 with a winner 12 minutes from time from Kevin Nolan - who had opened the scoring on 13 seconds. Southampton FC, whose manager Gordon Strachan this week announced he is to resign in the summer, lost 2-1 at Birmingham City FC, the visitors reduced to ten men when David Prutton was dismissed in the 69th minute, soon after Jeff Kanna's deciding goal.