Grant's Chelsea goalless at the break

Avram Grant’s first home game as Chelsea manager started unimpressively as their west London derby with Fulham remained goalless after 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Clint Dempsey almost put the Cottagers ahead with an early header as the Blues struggled, although Didier Drogba came within a whisker of sliding home at the far post.

Leaders Arsenal took a 1-0 lead into the break against West Ham at Upton Park.

Emmanuel Adebayor came close early on and the in-form Dean Ashton fired over from close range before Robin van Persie rose well to head home in the 13th minute.

Alexander Hleb was stretchered off injured after a heavy challenge from Mark Noble in a feisty first half.

Liverpool dominated their match at Wigan but neither side could break the deadlock.

Steven Gerrard’s 35-yard free-kick gave Wigan an early scare, Chris Kirkland saving well, while Fernando Torres broke clear but his finish ricocheted off Kirkland and bobbled just wide.

The clash between the Premier League’s bottom two sides, Derby and Bolton, ended all square after an exciting first half at Pride Park.

The opening stages were predictably frenetic before Kenny Miller (19) collected Steve Howard’s brilliant reverse pass to sidefoot home, but Nicolas Anelka’s deflected shot from the edge of the area levelled matters in the 32nd minute.

Portsmouth dominated struggling Reading to lead 2-1 at Fratton Park.

After five Pompey players arrived late due to heavy traffic, Benjani Mwaruwari (seven) volleyed the home side ahead from close range after John Utaka’s fine run and cross and added a second (37) with a low shot after dribbling past several players.

Against the run of play Liam Rosenior (45) gave the Royals hope after a goalmouth scramble.

Chances were at a premium at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland and Blackburn failed to find the net.

David Dunn fired over early on as Blackburn dominated possession but both sides struggled to fashion openings.

Manchester City came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 at Eastlands in today’s early kick-off.

Obafemi Martins’ fine control and finish put the visitors ahead after 29 minutes but City hit back through Martin Petrov’s smart shot from a tight angle (38), Emile Mpenza’s header (47) and Elano’s thunderous 87th-minute free-kick.