Bolton hold Gunners at the break

Arsenal are under pressure for fourth place and Champions League qualification aa they took the game to a defensive Bolton side in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.

Dutch forward Robin van Persie had Arsenal’s best early chance when his shot went just over the bar.

Their progress was not helped when the floodlights failed briefly during the first half, however.

Want-away winger Stuart Downing was given a warm reception by the Middlesbrough fans ahead of the north east derby with Sunderland.

And the England international, who is being pursued by Tottenham, created Boro’s opener shortly before the break when he strode down the right flank and centred for Afonso Alves to fire home.

Everton held a 2-0 half-time lead over Hull at Goodison Park.

Marouane Fellaini headed home Leighton Baines’ left-wing cross mid-way through the first half and the goal stood despite the midfielder looking offside.

And the lead was doubled when Mikel Arteta’s excellent free-kick beat Boaz Myhill.

Newcastle and West Ham were locked at 1-1 at half-time on Tyneside.

Michael Owen’s stylish 19th-minute opener gave Newcastle the lead against West Ham at St James’ Park.

But former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy levelled matters when he was fed by Scott Parker and lifted the ball beyond Shay Given in the 29th minute.

The freezing temperatures saw Fulham v Blackburn and Portsmouth v Manchester City postponed.

Leaders Liverpool were at Stoke in the evening kick-off and tomorrow Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford and Wigan host Tottenham.