Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha (left) scores against Tottenham during their English Premier League soccer match at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, yesterday. - AP

LONDON (AP):

Brian McBride scored the lone goal yesterday in Fulham's 1-0 win over visiting Everton, giving the struggling club its first victory in the Premier League in more than a month, and Manchester City rallied to beat Tottenham 2-1 with goals from Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland.

The Tottenham loss comes after its UEFA Cup exit on penalty kicks against PSV Eindhoven last Wednesday.

Wigan were a man down after the fifth minute when midfielder Jason Koumas was red-carded for a late tackle on Bolton's Gary Cahill. But the Latics took the lead in the 34th when Emile Heskey, who volleyed into the net after a long throw from Mario Melchiot, scored his first goal since August.

"I've looked at the challenge and I don't think it is a red card," Wigan manager Steve Bruce said. "He's tried to win the ball, it's one-footed and I think that because of the climate we are in, it is leaving the referees in a difficult position."

Bolton had made nine changes from the second-string side that lost to Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Cup last Thursday, with goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi and defender Gary Cahill the only survivors. Manager Gary Megson was disappointed his "harsh words said at half-time" did not work.

"We've rested players midweek for this game and clearly it hasn't worked because we didn't turn up or start well," Megson said. "We looked lethargic and leggy and weren't good enough and we are right in the cart."

HELPED

Fulham's attempt to climb out of the relegation zone was also helped by fellow struggling club Bolton's 0-1 loss to 10-man Wigan. Bolton have 25 points in 18th place, with Fulham one place and two points behind.

Only five points separate 14th-place Reading from Fulham in 19th.

McBride scored his second goal of the season in the 67th minute in windy, rainy conditions at Craven Cottage. Simon Davies crossed the ball into the box after a run down the left and Joseph Yobo's failed clearance fell to McBride, who headed it in.

McBride only played three games in August before hurting his knee during a game. He returned to the team in February.

Eddie Johnson, one of five American players on Fulham's team in the game, came close to doubling the lead in the 88th when he sent a powerful shot just over the bar.

Everton beat Fulham 3-0 at Goodison Park in December, but the Toffees still haven't won at Craven Cottage since 1966. Everton lost to Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup last Wednesday on penalty kicks.

It was Fulham's first win since a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on February 3 - and only its fourth this season.

OPTIMISM

"We can look forward to the last eight games with optimism," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said. "We started extremely brightly but Everton know how to defend and grind out results.

"The goal was vital. For us the difference between one and three points in the match was everything."

Everton's loss dented their hopes of keeping up with crosstown rival Liverpool in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League spot. Everton have 56 points in fifth place, while Liverpool have 59 in fourth.

Onuoha headed in City's winning goal in the 72nd minute, 13 minutes after Ireland had leveled the score by tapping the ball in from five metres (yards).

Robbie Keane had put Tottenham ahead in the 32nd minute, sending a ball from a sharp angle off the inside post and in.

The match was watched by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned from facing corruption charges in his native Thailand. It was the club's first win since beating Manchester United 2-0 on February 10.

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said he would be meeting with Shinawatra today.

"It is important he tells us what he wants to do with the club in one year and three years," Eriksson said. "I dream of being part of that. We have a very good team."

RETURN TO TOP

Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League on Saturday after beating Derby 1-0 and watching Arsenal draw 1-1 with Middlesbrough.

United got a late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal needed an 86th-minute goal from Kolo Toure to earn one point.

Both clubs have 67 points but United lead on goal difference.

Also Saturday, it was: Liverpool 2, Reading 1; Portsmouth 2, Aston Villa 0; Sunderland 0, Chelsea 1; and West Ham 2, Blackburn 1.

Today, Birmingham host Newcastle.