While Arsenal knew a victory would have tightened their grip on third place in the EPL and they controlled the game throughout, a draw does their hopes of Champions League football next season little harm.

At a venue they have rarely enjoyed, they fell behind early on through Crouch’s header. But Van Persie touched in for his second goal in eight games.

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Elsewhere, in London, Newcastle’s bid for Champions League qualification suffered a reality check as Wigan eased their relegation fears with a thumping 4-0 win over the Magpies.

Newcastle had dared to dream of winning a place in European football’s elite competition after moving into the top four of the EPL last week with their sixth straight win. However Alan Pardew’s side were stunned 4-0 (Victor Moses 13th & 15th mins, Shaun Maloney 36th, Franco Di Santo 45th) by Wigan, who moved three points clear of the relegation zone.

Other results :-

Everton 4-0 Fulham
Sunderland 2-2 Bolton
Swansea 4-4 W’hampton
West Brom 0-0 Aston Villa
Norwich 0-3 Liverpool