London - Aston Villa missed the chance to go third in the English League on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham. Victory for Martin O'Neill's side would have lifted them above champions Manchester United into third, but they were frustrated by a gutsy Fulham side who also drew 0-0 with Liverpool last weekend.
The point kept Villa fourth, level on 25 points with United, who play neighbours Manchester City on Sunday.
Bolton Wanderers stormed into the top half with a 4-1 win at Sunderland.
Djibril Cisse put Bolton ahead after just 11 minutes but Roy Keane's side then fell apart as goals from Matt Taylor, Gary Cahill and two from Johan Elmander sealed victory for the visitors.
Bolton are now up to seventh, while Sunderland dropped into the relegation zone, with Newcastle moving out of the bottom three thanks to a 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough.
Hull remain sixth after drawing 1-1 at Stoke City, while West Bromwich Albion stayed bottom after letting Wigan Athletic came from behind to beat them 2-1.
Leaders Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool are in action on Sunday. Chelsea, top on goal difference, travel to Arsenal, while Liverpool host West Ham United.
