Arsenal needed a late winner from Robin van Persie at bottom club Watford to maintain their distant pursuit of the top two. Gilberto Silva had given the Gunners a 19th-minute lead before Tommy Smith replied for the home side four minutes later.

Watford are nine points adrift of safety and a point behind second-bottom Charlton Athletic, who host Fulham on Wednesday in Alan Pardew's first game in charge.

Nicolas Anelka scored Bolton's winner as his side clocked up a fourth successive victory while Portsmouth, who this time last year were deep in a relegation battle, are in fifth place after a headed double from Linvoy Primus gave them a 2-1 win at West Ham United.

Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 12th consecutive home victory when Jermain Defoe struck twice in a 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa.

Manchester City eased relegation worries with a 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Sheffield United while Everton drew 0-0 at home to Middlesbrough.

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