Ferdinand fires up Foxes - round up

The only goals of the first half in today’s Premiership action both came at Goodison Park – but in starkly contrasting fashion.

Steve Howey’s own goal opened the scoring when the defender was credited with the final touch after Lee Carsley’s initial effort for Everton.

But Les Ferdinand struck a stunning equaliser from a free-kick just before the interval to get the Foxes back on level terms.

Arsenal put their record 16-game unbeaten start to the league on the line at in-form Bolton as they looked to increase their lead at the top of the table.

Thierry Henry came closest to opening the scoring for the visitors when he shaved the post after 22 minutes but Bolton were more than a match for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Chelsea were also being held 0-0 at London rivals Fulham, and suffered a major blow in the early stages.

Damien Duff was forced off with what looked like a shoulder injury when he fell awkwardly under a challenge from Sean Davis.

Claudio Ranieri was able to bring on Joe Cole to keep his attacking options open but neither side was able to find a breakthrough.

Brad Friedel made a great save from Lee Hendrie as Blackburn and Aston Villa also failed to trouble the scorers at Ewood Park.

Charlton’s Jason Euell was the main reason for another 0-0 scoreline at the Valley, the striker missing three good chances against Newcastle, hitting the post on one occasion with Shay Given beaten.

Both Premiership fixtures in the midlands fell victim to the weather, Wolves’ home game with Liverpool and Birmingham’s meeting with Middlesbrough at St Andrews postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.