Everton lost ground in the race for a Champions League place on Sunday when they lost 1-0 to struggling Fulham at Craven Cottage, a ground where the Merseysiders have not mustered a point in 42 years.

Fulham, second-last in the standings but now only three points from safety, won a scrappy game in the 67th minute when Simon Davies crossed for fellow former Evertonian Brian McBride to score with a firm header. Everton, unbeaten in the league all year but knocked out of the UEFA Cup on penalties by Fiorentina in midweek, looked flat all afternoon in blustery conditions and rarely tested home goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

The defeat leaves them in fifth place on 56 points, three behind Liverpool, who beat Reading 2-1 on Saturday. Manchester United lead the way on 67 points after their 1-0 win at Derby County, with Arsenal also on 67 but from a game more after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Middlesbrough.

Chelsea are still in the title chase on 64 with a game in hand on Arsenal after they won 1-0 at Sunderland. In other games later on Sunday Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic play Bolton Wanderers. Newcastle United, slipping ever-nearer the relegation zone, visit fellow-strugglers Birmingham City on Monday.

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