City stunt Liverpool's championship challenge

Liverpool FC's title ambitions suffered another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield by Manchester City FC and the points were also shared in a goalless draw between ten-man Newcastle United FC and Everton FC.

Kuyt leveller
Rafael Benítez's charges, who travel to Real Madrid CF in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on Wednesday, started the day eight points behind Manchester United FC after the titleholders overcame Blackburn Rovers FC 2-1 on Saturday. Their hopes of trimming the gap deteriorated when former player Craig Bellamy conjured the opening goal after 51 minutes, his drive being deflected past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina by Álvaro Arbeloa. The hosts did at least rescue a point on 78 minutes, though, when Yossi Benayoun's cross eventually found Dirk Kuyt, who scrambled in the equaliser.

Nolan dismissed
Newcastle's Kevin Nolan was involved in the important moments in the first half at St James' Park. The midfielder teed up Peter Lovenkrands to spurn the best chance before receiving a straight red card for a foul on Victor Anichebe. Everton, who lost influential playmaker Mikel Arteta to a knee injury early on, were the more threatening after the interval but failed to create any clear-cut chances and returned to four points behind fifth-placed Arsenal FC after the Gunners drew against Sunderland AFC on Saturday. Newcastle move into 14th spot.

Home fortress
Elsewhere on Sunday, Fulham FC continued their impressive home form with a 2-0 success against bottom side West Bromwich Albion FC. The hosts, chasing an eighth league success from 12 attempts at Craven Cottage, struck the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes but their pressure eventually told in the final half hour. Bobby Zamora (61) broke the deadlock before Andy Johnson wrapped up the points eleven minutes later to send Roy Hodgson's men up to eighth.

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