Aston Villa have missed out on moving into third place in the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw by Fulham.

After picking up four points in the last two games against Arsenal and Manchester United, hopes were high among Villa supporters that the team could build upon their good form with the so-called 'big four' not in action.

But despite dominating the match, Martin O'Neill's men could not find the goal to claim all three points.

There was also goalless deadlock between Middlesbrough and Newcastle at the Riverside.

Elsewhere, Premier League new-boys Stoke and Hull drew 1-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

Hull took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Marlon King, but a Ricardo Fuller levelled things up on 73 minutes.

The other promoted team, West Bromwich Albion took the lead at Wigan through Ishmael Miller early in the second half.

But ultimately the Baggies lost 2-1 with Henri Camara equalising shortly after the hour-mark for Wigan and a late winner coming from Emmerson Boyce three minutes from time.

The day's big winners were Bolton, who came from behind to beat Sunderland 4-1 at the Stadium of Light.

Djibril Cisse put the Black Cats in front after 11 minutes, but goals by Matt Taylor (18 mins), Gary Chaill (21) and a Johan Elmander brace (39 and 55) turned the game completely around.

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