The English football champions Chelsea have missed a chance to push further ahead of their rivals after a nil-all stalemate at Aston Villa.
Manchester United blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with visiting West Bromwich Albion in a match troubled striker Wayne Rooney started on the bench, further stirring talk of a falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Arsenal had better luck against Birmingham, winning 2-1 while Tottenham Hotspur beat Fulham by the same score.
Bolton Wanderers had a 2-1 win over Stoke City while Wolverhampton Wanderers drew 1-1 with West Ham United and Newcastle United drew 2-2 with Wigan Athletic.