Aston Villa held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw on Sunday in the Premier League and Charlton improved their chances of avoiding relegation with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle.
Fourth-placed Liverpool nearly earned all three points at Villa Park but goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen pushed substitute Robbie Fowler’s header around the post in the 88th minuted.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard shot wide early in the second half and Villa substitute Patrik Berger, a former Liverpool forward, twice missed the target from inside the area.
By dropping two points, Liverpool stayed behind third-placed Arsenal, who lost 1-0 to Everton later on Sunday.
Both teams are well behind leaders Manchester United, who beat Bolton 4-1 on Saturday to stay six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea. The Blues beat Sheffield United 3-0.
China midfielder Zheng Zhi scored his first goal for Charlton to put the Addicks ahead in the 53rd minute against Newcastle at The Valley.
After Darren Bent’s free kick had hit the crossbar, Zheng followed up to head into an empty net.
In the 88th minute, Zheng was pushed by Nolberto Solano inside the area and Jerome Thomas scored from the spot.
Charlton are now only four points away from the safety zone in 18th place. Sheffield United dropped to 17th place after losing at Chelsea on Saturday and have 31 points, four more than Charlton.
West Ham also improved their survival chances by beating hosts Blackburn 2-1 Saturday and have 23 points. Last-place Watford, who lost at Tottenham 3-1, have 20 points.
In the race to gain promotion, Birmingham drew 1-1 at sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion to reclaim second from Sunderland in the League Championship.
Derby lead the league with 73 points, followed by Birmingham with 71 and Sunderland on 70. The top two teams go up automatically, while the next four go into the play-offs for one more spot. — Sapa-AP