Soccer: Surge by Gunners slows

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud laments missing a chance to win the game in injury time after his shot hit the crossbar. Photo / AP

Arsenal's English Premier League momentum was halted when the Gunners allowed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Everton yesterday, and Fulham ended their losing streak by beating Aston Villa to give new manager Rene Meulensteen his first victory.

Arsenal failed to take full advantage of their main rivals' stumbles yesterday as substitute Gerard Deulofeu levelled with a hard shot from a tight angle in the 84th minute to give Everton a deserved point.

Ahead of a crucial fortnight that will see them play against Napoli in the Champions League, Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal lead by five points ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea.

"Not bad to take, ideally wanted seven but at least we've got five," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "It gives a little bit of a cushion to play in a serene way against other teams."

Arsenal will rue striker Olivier Giroud's shot that hit the crossbar in stoppage time.

"As long as we are five points ahead you cannot rule ourselves out even with the best desire," Wenger said. "So let's keep that cushion. It shows you that it will be a tough Premier League and the consistency in the end will be rewarded. The consistency for us is down to us to keep this attitude until the end of the season."

Everton followed up their victory at Old Trafford midweek with another impressive performance, playing with determination and a high tempo during the first half to monopolise possession.

Earlier, Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov scored first-half goals to give Fulham a 2-0 win over Villa to end a six-game losing streak in the league.

"I couldn't be more delighted and the players should be delighted with themselves," Meulensteen said.

- AP