EPL: Everton's Delofeu scores equaliser to hold Arsenal

Gerard Delofeu's late goal earned Everton a deserved 1-1 draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday after Mesut Ozil's strike seemed set to seal three points for the home side.

An absorbing clash which sizzled throughout caught fire in the closing stages as Ozil swept Arsenal in front from close range in the 80th minute and substitute Delofeu fired a powerful shot past Wojciech Szczesny four minutes later.

Olivier Giroud almost snatched victory in stoppage-time for the hosts when his 30 metre thunderbolt thumped against the woodwork.

The draw left Arsenal on 35 points, five clear of Liverpool and Chelsea after 15 games with Everton, who have lost only in the league, fifth on 28.

Earlier, goals from Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov helped Fulham end a six-match losing streak with a 2-0 home victory over Aston Villa.

Sidwell struck from a tight angle on 21 minutes and Berbatov rolled in a cheeky penalty on the half hour as Fulham dominated.

Fulham, who sacked manager Martin Jol last week and replaced him with fellow Dutchman Rene Meulensteen, moved to 13 points alongside West Ham United who are one place above the relegation zone owing to a superior goal difference.

Image: A dejected Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal prepare to restart after Gerard Deulofeu of Everton (not pictured) equalised during their English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday

Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images