Gunners avoid a defeat against Bolton ..

Arsenal FC gained a vital victory by overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Bolton Wanderers FC – but they still trail Premier League leaders Manchester United FC by six points.

Title race
A stoppage-time own goal from Jlloyd Samuel snatched the points for Arsenal who had started the day in third place yet moved into second. However, Manchester United remain in charge of the title race after defeating Aston Villa FC 4-0 at Old Trafford in the Saturday evening kick-off. Chelsea FC, in third, host Middlesbrough FC on Sunday.

Arsenal revival
Arsène Wenger's men endured a miserable first half at the Reebok Stadium with two goals for Matthew Taylor sandwiching the 31st-minute sending-off of Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby. But the Gunners' ten men fought back after the interval. William Gallas reduced arrears before Robin van Persie's penalty restored parity and then Cesc Fabregas forced the decisive own goal. The result ended a five-match winless run for Arsenal in the Premier League.

United response
United responded to the news from Bolton by beating Villa with two goals in each half. A home victory looked likely from the moment Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front on 17 minutes with an outrageous flick between the legs of a defender. Carlos Tévez and then Wayne Rooney with a brace were also on target. Villa, seeking European qualification, missed several opportunities with Shaun Maloney the most culpable.

Derby relegated
If the Arsenal scoreline left Bolton four points adrift in the bottom three, the draw in the meeting of the two sides below them suited neither. Derby County FC scored first and last in the 2-2 home draw with Fulham FC but were relegated despite Emanuel Villa's late equaliser. The home victories elsewhere for Birmingham City FC and Sunderland AFC could also prove costly for Bolton and second-from-bottom Fulham. Birmingham survived the sending-off of Franck Queudrue to beat Manchester City FC 3-1 with two goals from Mauro Zarate. Sunderland owed their 2-1 success against West Ham United FC to an added-time strike from Andy Reid.

Portsmouth prevail
FA Cup semi-finalists Portsmouth FC consolidated sixth place courtesy of a 2-0 home win over strugglers Wigan Athletic FC. Blackburn Rovers FC sit three points behind them following a 0-0 draw at Reading FC.

EPL Preview for this weekend ..

The race for fourth spot could take a decisive turn this weekend as it is derby day on Merseyside while England players look to prove their international form is a mere blip.

Following another lacklustre friendly display from the national team, the question of why England 'stars' perform better for their clubs has once more been asked.

But when none of the top 10 scorers in the Premier League this season are English, it is easy to see why there was a lack of cutting edge in Paris on Wednesday night.

The truth is that the Premier League has blossomed due to the continental influence and it will again be in evidence in a packed 10-game programme this weekend.

Fernando Torres has sparkled in his debut season in English football and he will be looking to add to his 20 league goals when Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield on Sunday

With Liverpool currently two points clear of their local rivals in fourth, the result could help to determine who takes the fourth UEFA Champions League spot this season.

Before Merseyside pride is put at stake, though, there are seven matches on Saturday, including current leaders Manchester United against Aston Villa.

United are seeking a 14th win in a row over Villa in all competitions against a team whose European aspirations have taken a knock in recent weeks.

Arsenal are desperate to return to form after five games without a win, but head to Bolton Wanderers where they have lost their last three league matches.

The bottom two meet at Pride Park and Fulham will be anxious to record a first away success in 18 months to boost their hopes of survival.

In contrast, Derby County's relegation back to the Championship could be confirmed if they fail to beat Fulham and Birmingham City win at home to Manchester City.

Wigan Athletic will be hoping Portsmouth have one eye fixed on next week's FA Cup semi-final against West Brom when Steve Bruce takes his team to Fratton Park.

Sunderland claimed a first away win of the campaign last weekend and will be hopeful of three points at home to West Ham United.

Reading have steadily edged closer to safety in recent weeks, although Saturday's visitors to the Madejski Stadium - Blackburn Rovers - are not giving up in their pursuit of European qualification.

On Sunday, Chelsea will be confident of maintaining the pressure in the title race when they face Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.

Kevin Keegan secured a belated first win in his second spell as Newcastle United boss last week and heads to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Birmingham City v Manchester City

Birmingham have not managed a clean sheet at home since Boxing Day. Man City's games have averaged only 2.3 goals this season - fewer than any other team's fixtures.

Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

Bolton have gone 281 minutes without scoring a goal. Arsenal have gone five league games without a win for the first time since 1998. They have not gone six games without a win since 1994.

Derby County v Fulham

Derby will equal Sunderland's all-time Premier League record for games without a win if they fail to beat Fulham - 26 games. Fulham have not scored in the first half since 12th January - 10 games ago.

Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic

If Pompey win this game it will be their fourth successive home win - something they have not managed in the Premier League before. Wigan have made fewer substitutions than any other team this season - 63.

Reading v Blackburn Rovers

Reading have gone 12 games since drawing - the longest current run in the division. Blackburn have gained more points from losing positions than any other team this season - 19.

Sunderland v West Ham United

Sunderland only lost one of their first seven Premier League games against West Ham, but have won none of the subsequent six. Dean Ashton is the Premier League player who has committed the most fouls without getting booked - 49.

Manchester United v Aston Villa

United have gone 371 minutes since conceding a goal in the Premier League. Villa have gone 17 games without keeping a clean sheet - the worst current run in the Premier League and the club's worst run in the Premier League.

Chelsea v Middlesbrough

Didier Drogba has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League starts. Boro have failed to score in their last five Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Tottenham have benefited from 13 substitute goals this season - more than any other team in the league. Newcastle have won their last four league games with Spurs, scoring three goals in each match.

Liverpool v Everton

18 of Fernando Torres' 20 league goals this season have come at Anfield. Everton have conceded only four goals in 2008 - a record only Man Utd can match.

Former skipper earns England recall

David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for the friendly international against France in Paris on Wednesday.

It presents the former captain with the opportunity to win his 100th cap after he was left out of Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland.

Beckham's lack of match fitness in February kept him on the sidelines, but his return to pre-season action with LA Galaxy has persuaded Capello to include him in an initial 30-man party.

Young Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has been included, while highly-rated Middlesbrough defender David Wheater earns his first call-up after a series of impressive displays.

Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson has been selected, with Gabriel Agbonlahor earning his chance after missing out on the Switzerland game through injury.

Experienced Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard are back after missing the Swiss clash through injury.

Capello named Steven Gerrard as captain in Terry's absence last time out, and it remains to be seen whether the Liverpool skipper will retain the armband.

The 30-man squad will be trimmed to 23 on Saturday evening by the Italian tactician.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan).

Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), Woodgate (Spurs).

Midfielders: Barry (Aston Villa), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jenas (Spurs), Hargreaves (Man Utd), J Cole (Chelsea), Young (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Bentley (Blackburn).

Strikers: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Portsmouth).

Manchester regains top spot ..

Of the four English UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists, Arsenal FC were the only team not to win on Saturday - a home draw against Middlesbrough FC costing them the Premier League leadership after Manchester United FC triumphed at Derby County FC.

Middlesbrough are the only team to defeat the Gunners in the top flight this season, and Gareth Southgate's side were on course for a memorable double thanks to Jérémie Aliadiere's 25th-minute opener with four minutes remaining, when Kolo Touré bundled the ball in following a corner. Arsenal have now drawn their last four league outings to relinquish top spot on goal difference to United, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the champions' match-winner at Pride Park, finally breaking the resistance of the beleaguered bottom club with a 76th-minute winner - his 22nd top-flight goal of the season. Chelsea FC are also firmly in contention three points further back, John Terry (10) scoring the only goal at Sunderland AFC.

Solitary Goal by Ronaldo ..

Liverpool FC, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Reading FC 2-1 at Anfield. Marek Matejovsky (5) put Reading ahead, but goals from Javier Mascherano (19) and Fernando Torres (48) ensured a fifth successive league triumph for the Reds, who are three points ahead of Everton FC in fourth ahead of their city rivals' trip to Fulham FC on Sunday.

Jermain Defoe's sixth goal in as many matches for Portsmouth FC set the south-coast club on their way to a 2-0 victory against fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa FC. Nigel Reo Coker also put through his own net as Villa were leapfrogged into sixth by the FA Cup semi-finalists. Finally, 18-year-old substitute Fred Sears enjoyed a debut to remember as he scored an 81st-minute winner as West Ham United FC came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers FC 2-1 and consolidate tenth spot.

Goalkeeper Sébastien Frey was ACF Fiorentina's hero in Goodisan Park !!

Goalkeeper Sébastien Frey was ACF Fiorentina's hero, adding a penalty shoot-out save to several in regulation time as Everton FC's stirring two-goal UEFA Cup Round of 16 comeback came to nothing at Goodison Park.

Very much second best for the 90 minutes in Florence six days ago David Moyes's charges proved a different proposition on home turf with goals in either half from Andrew Johnson and Mikel Arteta. Frey prevented further damage, however, and the game lurched into extra time and then penalties where the Viola No1 denied Philip Jagielka. With Yakubu Ayegbeni already seeing his effort come back off the crossbar, it allowed Mario Alberto Santana to seal a 4-2 shoot-out success and Fiorentina's first European quarter-final since 1997.

For much of the game it had seemed like Everton's night as Andrew Johnson struck his fourth of the UEFA Cup campaign to reduce the arrears after only 16 minutes. Steven Pienaar's dangerous cross bounced awkwardly, and Frey could only push it into the path of Johnson, who bundled it over the line with his chest from point-blank range. It was good improvisation, and Frey displayed more soon after to get across his goal to turn Arteta's free-kick past the post.

Fortunately for Fiorentina, Frey was in inspired form. He denied Yakubu after the Nigerian international striker twisted and turned to create an opening before pulling off a brilliant save just before the interval to keep out Johnson's effort. Arteta followed up, squaring the ball for Yakubu to turn in, and though the assistant referee's flag was raised, the disappointment did not last too long.

On 66 minutes Arteta levelled the aggregate scores, advancing towards the penalty area as the Viola defence backed off before unleashing a low, zipping shot that crept inside Frey's far post. Moments later the Viola keeper denied Yobo twice as the hosts resumed their onslaught, yet Fiorentina survived, forced extra time, and after Giampaolo Pazzini had twice gone close, penalties – the scene of Frey's final heroics.

Goals from the match ...

Torres gives Liverpool a quarter-final berth …

Liverpool FC became the fourth English club to make it through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after Fernando Torres struck in the second half to condemn ten-man FC Internazionale Milano to another failed European campaign.

The Spanish international's 26th goal of the season, and his fourth in this competition, gave the Reds a three-goal aggregate lead which was to prove insurmountable for the Italian champions, who, as in the first leg at Anfield, were reduced to ten men after Nicolás Burdisso was dismissed. The Nerazzurri are eliminated at the first knockout round stage for the second successive year, while Liverpool can continue to dream of a third final appearance in four attempts.

It was always going to be a herculean task for Inter, who took to the field to a rapturous welcome from the Curva Nord, displaying a huge banner that read: FC Inter Orgoglio di Milan. And the 'pride of Milan' immediately set about trying to reduce the two-goal aggregate deficit. After four minutes Esteban Cambiasso started and finished a move that required a block from right-back Jamie Carragher, making his 100th European appearance. Then, on eight minutes, Pepe Reina was at full stretch to deny Julio Cruz after the striker had cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot.

Reinforced by the defensive midfield duo of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva, Liverpool began to look more assured after the first 20 minutes and almost went ahead when Cambiasso slipped in the corner of his area, conceding possession to Torres. The in-form forward skipped past both the Argentinian and Rivas Lopez yet goalkeeper Júlio César narrowed the angle and saved the shot with his legs. At the other end, Inter should have scored when a delightful give-and-go between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cruz broke the offside trap, but the latter's diagonal drive rolled just wide.

Ibrahimović cut a menacing figure whenever he came deep to receive the ball although the impressive Lucas coped manfully, continually snapping at the Swede's heels to stop the danger at source. Rafael Benítez's game plan largely entailed long passes over the top to exploit the pace of Ryan Babel and Torres, and the visitors almost fell behind when Maicon found Cruz, whose trademark back-heel brought the best out of Pepe Reina.

The turning point came when Burdisso was sent off for his second booking on 50 minutes. Again Roberto Mancini's team were a defender down, though initially at least, the setback appeared only to strengthen their resolve. Crucially, Ibrahimović failed to capitalise on an error in the box from Martin Škrtel, firing wide. The hosts were soon made to pay as Torres brought down a ball from midfield with his back to goal, turned on the edge of the area and swept an unstoppable low strike past César.

Inter did create further chances yet their night was typified by Ibrahimović's last contribution – a shot blazed over when he was clear on goal with ten minutes remaining. The only blot on Liverpool's evening was a booking for Gerrard which rules the captain out of the quarter-final first leg, with the opponents to be revealed on Friday.

Fernando Torres on the move , chk the goal here ..

Confident Reds 'not scared of anyone'

Winger Jermaine Pennant believes the confidence gained from Liverpool FC's five-match winning streak will strengthen their chances of protecting a 2-0 lead at FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.

Pennant scored his first goal of the season in Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle United FC on Saturday – a fourth straight Premier League win following the Reds' first-leg triumph over the Serie A leaders – to further boost morale ahead of Tuesday's decider. "It's a very important game for us," said Pennant. "Win this and we're in the quarter-finals. But we know it's going to be a tough task because Inter are a quality side with great players. We're very confident, though. The mood is very positive. We've had three convincing wins at Anfield and everyone's sharp and really up for this game. It's looking very good."

Liverpool's fine form began with the late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard against Inter on 19 February which have put them in pole position to reach the last eight. Since then the performances of Fernando Torres, in particular, have caught the eye. The Spanish international has taken his seasonal league tally to 19 thanks to a recent haul of seven goals, including two hat-tricks – and will now want to add to his three strikes in this competition.

The 25-year-old Pennant said of his free-scoring team-mate: "Torres can't stop scoring which is a great habit to get into. We've scored a lot of goals in our last three games so the striking side's going well. Liverpool have always been known for their attacking football and we're not scared of anyone because we can score against anyone. The main thing is we're not conceding, which is a huge bonus."

Another clean sheet will seal Liverpool's ticket to the next stage, where they would join Pennant's former club Arsenal FC, who beat AC Milan here last week, Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC in Friday's draw. "It was a great result for Arsenal and hopefully we'll be able to get a victory as well or keep the scores down at least – not conceding is our main target. English clubs are doing well because of the personnel in the English game. There are a lot of quality players in the Premier League and it's great the top four English clubs could be in the quarter-finals."

Pennant Goal ;

Barça lose after Tomasson’s late goal ..

Jon Dahl Tomasson's late goal gave third-placed Villarreal CF a 2-1 win at FC Barcelona leaving the Catalan giants eight points adrift of Primera División leaders Real Madrid CF.

Marcos Senna had given Villarreal a 32nd-minute lead from the penalty spot but thereafter, the visitors found themselves on the back foot as Barça pressed forward in search of an equaliser. They had to wait until midway through the second half, though, when Andrés Iniesta played a one-two with Ronaldinho and cut the ball back for Xavi Hernández to ram home. The home side poured forward in search of the winner but were hit on the break and Sebastián Eguren squared for Tomasson to apply the simplest of finishes in the 81st minute. The Yellow Submarine are now just four points behind their hosts.

Sevilla CF moved into the top six with a 2-1 win over Levante UD after goals from Seydou Keita, in the 28th minute, and Luis Fabiano, four minutes into the second half helped them to come from behind after Mustapha Riga's early strike. Real Racing Club Santander went fifth after comfortably seeing off the challenge of Real Betis Balompié through second-half efforts from Aldo Duscher (51), Ezequiel Garay (59) and Mohammed Tchite (88).

RCD Mallorca moved further away from the relegation zone with a 7-1 hammering of RC Recreativo de Huelva, who stay third from bottom. All the goals came between the 21st and 50th minutes with Juan Fernando Arango getting the first and last two to claim a hat-trick while both Daniel Guiza and Borja Valero scored twice.

Elsewhere, Valencia CF squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with RC Deportivo La Coruña at Mestalla. Juan Manuel Mata gave the home side a 17th-minute lead and David Villa doubled it seven minutes later. However, Sergio González replied and Ángel Lafita scored on the stroke of half-time to level. Athletic Club Bilbao defeated Real Valladolid CF 2-0 to jump above their rivals and UEFA Cup debutants Getafe CF won 3-0 at struggling Real Murcia CF while CA Osasuna were 2-1 winners against UD Almería.

Best of the la liga .. Watch out ..

World number one outplayed in Dubai !!!

Andy Murray produced one of the best performances of his career to beat world number one Roger Federer in Dubai.

The young Scot had been handed a daunting first-round draw, but he beat the reigning champion 6-7 6-3 6-4 in a little under two hours.

Of 27 previous matches at this event, Federer had won 25, taking the title four times in the last five years.

But after he edged the first set 8-6 in a tense tie-break, mistakes began to creep into Federer's game as Murray turned up the heat.

The British number one did not face a break point in the entire match, while it was he who claimed the decisive breaks of serve in the fifth game of the second and third sets.

Federer was back in action after taking a month-long break since his surprise defeat to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

Murray, meanwhile, was appearing in his fifth event of the season having alternated between winning titles and suffering first-round exits in the previous four.

In order to prolong that sequence he would have to condemn Federer to back-to-back defeats for the first time in almost five years.

The early stages suggested it could be an epic struggle, but Federer's lack of match practice began to show as his game became increasingly erratic.

Murray's defensive play was outstanding throughout and when he went for his shots he showed much greater consistency than the champion.

After winning the first break point of the match for a 3-2 lead in the second set, Murray followed it up with a love service game and suddenly he was in the ascendancy.

He served out the set in comfort before missing two break points in the opening game of the third set.

Murray did not have too much longer to wait for his match-winning opportunity, however, as Federer crumbled in the fifth game, losing it to love.

A disputed line-call could have affected Murray's concentration as Federer correctly challenged what would have been a double fault at 0-40, but the Scot retained his focus to force another error from his opponent and forge ahead.

Another confident service game consolidated the break and although Federer won his next two games on serve to make Murray serve for the match, the 20-year-old never appeared under pressure.

At 5-4 Murray came up with another superb service game, holding to love to earn a second win in three career meetings with Federer and book a second-round date with Fernando Verdasco.