Stephen Warnock's bizarre own goal from a Taye Taiwo cross extended Rangers' lead but Villa got back in the game when Darren Bent scored his 100th Barclays Premier League goal on the stroke of half-time.

Charles N'Zogbia lashed home a superb 79th minute volley to bring Villa level and the former Wigan striker was instrumental in his side's late pressure which left the visitors clinging on.

Steve Kean's Blackburn remain rooted in the bottom three after a miserable 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at Ewood Park.

Scott Dann deflected an early Ryan Taylor cross into his own net and Gabriel Obertan added the Magpies' second in stoppage time. In between, Rovers midfielder David Dunn had a penalty saved by Tim Krul.

Bolton continued to clamber towards safety after holding Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Reebok Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's men were left frustrated after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain missed a glorious early chance and Robin Van Persie hit the bar with 10 minutes remaining.

Sunderland's revival under Martin O'Neill continued as they cruised past Norwich at the Stadium of Light.

Fraizer Campbell opened the scoring in the 21st minute and a further effort from Stephane Sessegnon and a Daniel Ayala own goal gave the Black Cats a 3-0 victory.

Somen Tchoyi slid home a late equaliser for West Brom to snatch a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The hosts had taken a 69th minute lead through Clint Dempsey's 16th goal of the season.