Liverpool draw a blank at Stoke

Stoke 0 Liverpool 0: Premier League leaders Liverpool could only manage a goalless draw with Stoke to leave title rivals Manchester United in the title race driving seat.

Rafael Benitez's side now hold a four-point lead over Chelsea - who play United tomorrow - but Alex Ferguson's side, eight points further back in third, have three games in hand.

In a closely-fought encounter at the Britannia Stadium both sides had chances to win the game with each hitting the woodwork.

Steven Gerrard rattled the goal frame twice in the closing stages while Rory Delap smashed a shot against the underside of the bar in the first half. Stoke earlier had a goal disallowed when Ryan Shawcross headed home from an offside position.

Earlier, Nicklas Bendtner's late winner spared Arsenal's blushes as they beat Bolton 1-0 at home to avoid losing further ground in the race for Champions League qualification.

After Aston Villa's 2-1 victory over West Midlands rivals West Brom at lunchtime, the pressure was on the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.

Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor both spurned chances as Arsenal piled on the pressure and it was not until seven minutes from time that they made the breakthrough, substitute Bendtner sliding in to convert Van Persie's low centre.

Villa's victory saw them temporarily go third in the Barclays Premier League, with Manchester United playing Chelsea on Sunday and, more significantly, maintained their three-point lead over Arsenal.

Curtis Davies headed the opening goal against his former team before Gabriel Agbonlahor's effort from a tight angle was put into the net by Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson. James Morrison's early second-half goal gave the Baggies hope but an equaliser was not forthcoming.

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones secured his side a 1-1 draw in the north-east derby at Middlesbrough.

Wantaway winger Stuart Downing was given a warm reception by the Middlesbrough crowd and the England international, who is being pursued by Tottenham, created Boro's goal shortly before the break when he strode down the right flank and centred for Afonso Alves to fire home.

However Jones equalised eight minutes from time after good work by Andy Reid and David Healy.

Everton enjoyed a routine 2-0 win at home to Hull.

Marouane Fellaini headed home Leighton Baines' left-wing cross midway through the first half before Mikel Arteta added a second with a fierce free-kick.

However, the win was marred somewhat by a booking for Fellaini to leave him banned for the league and FA Cup double-header against Liverpool.

Andy Carroll headed a late equaliser as Newcastle drew 2-2 with West Ham.

Michael Owen's stylish 19th-minute opener gave Newcastle the lead at St James' Park but former Magpies striker Craig Bellamy levelled matters.

Carlton Cole put the visitors 2-1 up with an emphatic left-footed finish five minutes before the hour mark but Carroll headed home Damien Duff's cross superbly to secure a point. Jonas Gutierrez had a glaring chance after dribbling into the box but saw his shot deflected wide in injury-time.

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