Chelsea behind at break, Gunners level

Fourth-placed Chelsea, looking to close the seven-point gap to Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League, are behind at Everton after the first half.

Midfielder Steven Pienaar, who returned on loan last month, did parent club Spurs a favour by scoring in the fifth minute for his first league goal since September 2011.

At the other end of the table Blackburn boosted their survival hopes by taking a 3-0 lead over QPR, who would drop into the bottom three if they lost at Ewood Park.

Striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, returning from a three-match ban, scored his 14th goal of the season before midfielder Steven Nzonzi drove home the second in the 23nd minute, his first since August 2010, and Nedum Onuoha deflected Junior Hoilett’s shot past his own keeper Paddy Kenny deep into stoppage time.

Likewise, bottom side Wigan received a much-needed lift just before half-time when captain Gary Caldwell powered home a close-range header in the derby against fellow strugglers Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Deadline-day signing Pavel Pogrebnyak scored on his Fulham debut with a 16th-minute effort at home to Stoke before a stroke of luck put the Cottagers further ahead just before the half-hour.

Clint Dempsey’s 35-yard shot cannoned down off the crossbar and hit goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the back and went in for an own goal.

Danny Graham’s 23rd-minute goal gave Swansea the advantage at home to Norwich in the clash between the two promoted clubs.

Sunderland held Arsenal to a goalless first half at the Stadium of Light.