[AMERICANS IN ENGLAND] For the second week in a row, Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel was beaten from the penalty spot. Last week, Villa still managed a 4-2 win over Man City but on Saturday it fell, 3-2, to newly promoted Stoke City, whose last top-tier win came 23 years ago. Everton's Tim Howard was beaten from the spot late in a 2-1 win over West Brom. Clint Dempsey was a 77th minute sub in Fulham's 1-0 upset of Arsenal.

Texas-born Norwegian Brede Hangeland scored Fulham's winner in the 21st minute.

With Brian McBride and Kasey Keller moving to MLS, and Eddie Johnson's loan move to second-tier Cardiff, Dempsey is the sole American with the Cottagers.

In English second-tier play, Reading fell, 4-2, to Charlton as keeper Marcus Hahnemann went the full 90 and midfielder Bobby Convey saw 72 minutes of action.

Fulham's win over Arsenal was a major rebound after starting the season with a 2-1 loss to newly promoted Hull.