The race for fourth place got that little bit tighter today as a last minute Stern John equaliser for Birmingham denied Newcastle their chance to jump Liverpool who drew 0-0 with near neighbours Everton after a thrilling derby.
With Charlton losing at home to Bolton their main rivals for the final Champions League spot were itching to make up the ground. And it looked possible when Kevin Nolan scored a 78th minute winner for Bolton at the Valley.
Aston Villa thumped Leicester City five nil at Filbert street with goals from Darius Vassell (2), Peter Crouch (2) and Dion Dublin.
A Robbie Keane penalty gave Spurs the lead against Fulham but the Cottagers new signing Brian McBride popped up after 67 minutes with a winner after Malbranque equalised from the spot.
Goals from Boudewijn Zenden, Joseph Desire Job and Michael Ricketts helped Middlebrough to three nil win at Leeds, while Portsmouth and Wolves drew nil all.