Fourth-place Charlton lose at home
LONDON, England -- The race for fourth in the Premier League has itensified after Charlton's shock home defeat by Bolton.
The London club, who held fourth at the start of the day, remain in that position despite a 2-1 defeat by the League Cup finalists.
They are three points clear of Liverpool, who drew 0-0 with Everton in the Merseyside derby, and Newcastle, who conceded a goal in the dying seconds to draw 1-1 at Birmingham.
Bolton got off to a flying start when Henrik Pedersen scored after just 24 seconds but Charlton levelled after 12 minutes when Jonatan Johansson converted a cross from Claus Jensen, who then hit the woodwork.
The game lost its way in the second half but Bolton nicked it with a deflected effort by Kevin Nolan in the 78th minute.
Newcastle seemed on course for all three points but never-say-die Birmingham again battled to the end and equalised in injury time.
Gary Speed blasted Newcastle ahead from 25 metres after 37 minutes but substitute Stern John got on the end of a Kenny Cunningham free kick to earn the home side a point.
Meanwhile, Fulham have joined Liverpool and Newcastle on 34 points after coming from behind to send Tottenham to their first league defeat of 2004.
Spurs led with an 18th-minute Robbie Keane penalty -- making it four goals in four league games for the Irish striker -- but Steed Malbranque levelled with another spot kick at the end of the first half.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar kept Fulham in it with some good saves and they took advantage with a diving header by Ian Pearce, touched in by fellow new arrival Brian McBride, in the 67th minute.
Aston Villa scored five second-half goals in 18 minutes to stun Leicester 5-0 and increase the home side's relegation problems.
Two each for Darius Vassell and Peter Crouch -- the big striker's first since May 2002 -- and one for Dion Dublin left Leicester shellshocked.
There were further problems for Leicester when goalkeeper Ian Walker wrestled a fan to the ground after he ran on to the pitch during the game.
