Arsenal consolidated its position in the Champions League places with a nervy 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, while Sunderland, Stoke and Norwich grabbed huge victories to boost their hopes of surviving relegation from the English Premier League. Per Mertesacker's 43rd-minute header proved enough for Arsenal to climb provisionally above Chelsea into third place, with its task made easier by Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell's red card in the 12th at Craven Cottage. Sixth-place Everton's hopes of reaching the top four nosedived by losing 1-0 at Sunderland, which climbed six points clear of the relegation zone. Stoke beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 and Norwich overcame Reading 2-1, moving clear of the bottom three and leaving their beaten opponents even closer to the drop. Third-bottom Wigan lost 2-0 at West Ham. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)