Everton missed the chance to draw level with Liverpool FC in the English Premier League's fourth UEFA Champions League qualification place after drawing 1-1 at home to West Ham United FC while fellow European rivals Portsmouth FC lost at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Having taken the lead on eight minutes through Yakubu Ayegbeni's powerful finish, Everton looked set to wipe out the gap between them and Liverpool. However, Everton failed to add to their lead and the visitors, who gradually worked their way into the match, were rewarded when Dean Ashton headed in Lucas Neil's cross midway through the second half. Liverpool go to leader Manchester United FC on Sunday, a game which is followed by Chelsea FC against Arsenal FC.

However, Everton are now seven points clear of their main rivals for a UEFA Cup berth in fifth, Portsmouth, after they fell to goals in the last ten minutes form Tottenham substitutes Darren Bent and Jamie O'Hara. Portsmouth are still sixth, though, as Aston Villa FC lost 1-0 at home to an 83rd-minute Michael Chopra goal for lowly Sunderland AFC, winning away for the first time since returning to the Premier League, and eight-placed Manchester City FC's 0-0 draw at third-bottom Bolton Wanderers FC.

Blackburn Rovers FC took advantage to move above City thanks to a 3-1 victory against Wigan Athletic FC, Roque Santa Cruz scoring twice to open and finish the scoring at Ewood Park. Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United FC both earned home victories to ease their relegation worries. The former overcame basement side Derby County FC 1-0 at home, while Newcastle beat second-bottom Fulham FC 2-0 – their first three points since Kevin Keegan's return as manager in January. In the remaining game, Reading FC edged out relegation rivals Birmingham City FC 2-1. Birmingham are just one point ahead of Bolton in the drop zone and are three adrift of Sunderland.