Arsenal advance halted by Sunderland
Saturday, March 5, 2011
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Sunderland AFC ended a run of four consecutive defeats with a goalless draw at Arsenal FC, a result which dashed the Gunners' hopes of closing on leaders Manchester United FC.
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Arsenal FC were prevented from reducing Manchester United FC's lead to a point by a determined Sunderland AFC side who restricted the Gunners to a 0-0 draw.
Sunderland, who had lost their last four, were penned back for large spells, but departed with a share of the spoils despite Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh striking the woodwork late on. The result means United can extend their advantage to six points when they visit Liverpool FC on Sunday.
West Ham United FC climbed out of the relegation zone courtesy of a 3-0 home win against Stoke City FC, Dember Ba among the scorers with his fourth in three matches. The east Londoners are replaced in the drop zone by League Cup winners Birmingham City FC, who succumbed 3-1 to fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion FC.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United FC lost 2-1 to visitors Everton FC despite taking the lead through Leon Best, and Bobby Zamora struck a late winner from the spot − his first goal since August following a broken leg − as Fulham FC trumphed 3-2 against Blackburn Rovers FC. Ivan Klasnić (86) also left if late in Bolton Wanderers FC's defeat of Aston Villa FC by the same scoreline.
In the late fixture, David Silva's goal earned third-placed Manchester City FC a 1-0 win against Wigan Athletic FC.