AP
Steven Gerrard (far right) of Liverpool celebrates his goal with teammates Fernando Torres (left), Nabil el Zhar (second left), Pepe Reina (third left) and Ryan Babel during their Premiership League match against Middlesbrough yesterday. Liverpool won 2-1.

LONDON (AP):

FULHAM STUNNED Arsenal 1-0 yesterday with a goal from Norway defender Brede Hangeland, putting pressure on the Gunners to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

Hangeland scored in the 21st minute at Craven Cottage after sliding to connect with a cross from a short corner and volleying the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

It was a poor performance from the Gunners, who didn't allow manager Arsene Wenger to celebrate his 450th Premier League match at Arsenal. Wenger hopes midfielder Cesc Fabregas will return soon from a hamstring problem, and the French coach will also seek to bolster his midfield before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Earlier in the day, Steven Gerrard executed a winner deep into injury time to complete Liverpool's 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Middlesbrough.

The Reds trailed in the 70th minute after a long-range strike from Middlesbrough striker Mido but equalised with five minutes remaining, when Jamie Carragher's shot went in off defender Emanuel Pogatetz.

Also yesterday, Premier League newcomers Stoke beat Aston Villa 3-2, Sunderland won 2-1 at Tottenham, Everton overcame West Brom 2-1, Newcastle defeated Bolton 1-0, and Hull held Blackburn 1-1.

Early blow

Middlesbrough, seeking their first win at Anfield since 1976, had an early blow when goalkeeper Brad Jones was injured in the warm-up.

Replacement Ross Turnbull was immediately at full stretch to turn away Dirk Kuyt's fierce strike and repel a swirling shot from Andrea Dossena.

But Liverpool's new striking duo was wasteful, with Robbie Keane firing wide and Fernando Torres failing to position a header to score for a ninth straight home league match, which would have been a club record.

Pepe Reina produced a flying save to nudge over Andrew Taylor's 18-yard shot.

Liverpool maintained their domination after the break before Mido, who replaced Afonso Alves on the hour, blasted a shot into the bottom left, which Reina was powerless to block.

Rafa Benitez's side went in search of the equaliser and it came in the 85th minute. Gerrard grabbed a winner in the fourth minute of injury time, exploiting David Wheater's weak headed clearance.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who had an injury-plagued preseason, showed why he deserves a new Newcastle contract.

The England player came off the bench and didn't take long to send a glancing header past Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 71st to secure the three points.

Earlier, Newcastle defender Steven Taylor got a yellow card for handling the ball in the penalty area, but Shay Given continued his superb start to the season by saving Kevin Nolan's spot kick.

Spurs lost their second game of the campaign without Dimitar Berbatov, who was left out of the squad after manager Juande Ramos announced that he was having a negative effect on the dressing room as he seeks a move to Manchester United.