Arsenal Season 2010/11

[Dodomeki]

Lehmann to answer Wenger call

15 March 2011

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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is set to return to the club, coming out of retirement to fill the void between the posts.

Manager Arsene Wenger has just one fit goalkeeper at his disposal in Manuel Almunia, with fellow shot-stoppers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski injured and Vito Mannone on loan to Hull.

The Londoners are well and truly alive in the battle for the English Premier League title, trailing leaders Manchester United by three points with a game in hand, and Wenger has called upon the 41-year-old ex-Germany international to bring an experienced and reliable head to lead their defence.

Lehmann said he could not resist another chance at a Premier League title when offered the short-term job, despite not having graced the field in a competitive match since May 2010 when with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

"I know this Arsenal team and I am sure we can go on and win the title. If I can play a part in that, so much the better," he said.

"It never crossed my mind that I might end up saving it (Arsenal's goalkeeper crisis). But when they asked me, I was more than happy to oblige."

"It was just over the last few days that they contacted me to see if I could help out for the rest of the season and I agreed straight away."

Lehmann's well-publicised spat with Almunia back in 2007 will be Wenger's first point of business in bringing the veteran back to the club, with the German then vocal in his displeasure at being dropped for the Spaniard.

Wenger will no doubt be keen to patch up any differences the two still share as he pursues his first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2005.

 

[Dodomeki]

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[Dodomeki]

Lehmann makes Gunners return

18 March 2011

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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will come out of retirement to sign with Arsenal for the rest of the season.

The 41-year-old German joins as a free agent after retiring in 2010 following two seasons with Bundesliga club Stuttgart.

Lehmann made 199 appearances for Arsenal between 2003 and 2008, winning the Premier League title in 2004 and the FA Cup in 2005.

The move comes after injuries sidelined regular goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, meaning Lehmann will be used as back-up for first-choice Manuel Almunia.

Italian youngster Vito Mannone is out on loan at Hull City and also injured.

"He will sign for us for the rest of the season because we have Wojciech out for six weeks, we have Manuel out for six weeks and we have Fabianski out for the rest of the season," Wenger said.

"So, we have no cover of any experience at all in the Premier League and that is why I decided to get Jens back to cover up Almunia and, of course, to give us some experience."

During his previous spell at the club, relations between Lehmann and Spaniard Manuel Almunia were reported to be tense.

And Wenger revealed that Almunia was not consulted before the decision was made to bring Lehmann back.

"No. You make your decision," he said.

"Much more has been said that what basically happened, like many times."

"There is a lot of respect between the two goalkeepers and I personally think that Jens Lehmann will get the best out of Almunia because he will be showing every day that he is ready to fight for his place as he has always been doing and Almunia will be motivated by that."

Wenger confirmed that the former Germany international will be on the bench for the Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

 

[Dodomeki]

UEFA hands bans to Wenger, Jordan

18 March 2011

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Tottenham Hotspur assistant Joe Jordan has received a one-match touchline ban for his part in a confrontation with AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso.

Jordan and Gattuso squared up to each other during Spurs' 1-0 Champions League victory against Milan in the San Siro on February 15.

Gattuso, who appeared to be the aggressor in the situation, received a four-match ban.

The Italian midfielder later claimed he was provoked by verbal abuse from Jordan, although the Scot denies the allegations.

UEFA have now announced that the 59-year-old will also be punished.

"The control and disciplinary body has imposed a one-match ban on the Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Joe Jordan following incidents that took place at the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against AC Milan in Italy on February 15," the European governing body said in a statement.

"The punishment applies to Tottenham's next game in the competition - the English club's quarter-final first leg on 5 or 6 April."

"An appeal may be lodged against the ruling within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

Meanwhile, UEFA have also handed one-match bans to Arsene Wenger and Samir Nasri for using inappropriate language towards the referee after their Champions League loss to Barcelona.

The Arsenal pair confronted match official Massimo Busacca after Robin van Persie was sent off during the match for a second yellow card.

"Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and midfield player Samir Nasri have both been suspended for one UEFA club competition match following charges of improper conduct," a UEFA statement read.

"The Arsenal manager has also been fined 10,000 euros."

"An appeal may be lodged against the ruling within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: West Brom 2 Arsenal 2

20 March 2011

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Arsenal fought back to earn a point at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but they still lost ground in their title quest.

After defeat in the Carling Cup final, then being dumped out of the Champions League and FA Cup all in the space of 13 days, defeat at the Hawthorns would have put a serious dent in the Londoners' Premier League ambitions.

And for 70 minutes of this game defeat looked highly likely, courtesy of goals to Albion's Steven Reid and Peter Odemwingie, before Andrei Arshavin pulled a goal back, and Robin van Persie equalised in the 78th minute.

West Brom were given a gift of a lead in the third minute when an unmarked Reid was allowed to power in a header from six yards out.

That gave the home side something to hang on to and while Arsenal had more possession, they were poor in front of goal.

They should have been level in the 25th minute when Gael Clichy crossed for van Persie. His header came back off the crossbar and Aaron Ramsey's follow up was well blocked by Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The away side continued to press after the break. Marouane Chamakh, on as a substitute for the disappointing Denilson, headed weakly at Scott Carson.

Albion found a second goal against the run of play, thanks to a shocking mix up between defender and goalkeeper.

A long ball to Odemwingie took a wicked bounce that caught out Sebastien Squillaci and the onrushing keeper Manuel Almunia. The Albion striker capitalised, stroking the ball into the empty net.

To their credit, Arsenal kept battling and were given a lifeline on 70 minutes.

Arshavin played a one-two with Nicklas Bendtner and stroked the ball into the top corner from just inside the box.

And they were level with 12 minutes left. Arshavin's cross was put back across goal by Bendtner. Defender Abdoulaye Meite erred in front of goal, and van Persie was there to poke the ball over the line.

They could even have won it in stoppage time, but Carson did well to save Gael Clichy's low attempt late.

 

[seebaysong]

Re: Braga concerns for Cesc

If u believe in both karma and kelong ... Gunners will win premiership title this season and Spurs will lift champions league trophy

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Arsenal 0 Blackburn 0

3 April 2011

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Arsenal fans booed their team off the field after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Blackburn at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners missed a series of chances and even when Rovers had Steven N'Zonzi harshly sent off in the 75th minute they could not find a way past a well-organised Blackburn defence.
The draw leaves Arsenal seven points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, who won 4-2 at West Ham earlier in the day.

Even the return of captain Cesc Fabregas from injury as a second-half substitute could not inspire Arsenal to victory. They at least started quickly and certainly had chances to take the lead in the first half with Jack Wilshere missing a wonderful opportunity when he inexplicably side-footed wide following a one-two with Samir Nasri in the 30th minute.

Livewire winger Theo Walcott, back from injury, also went close with an early effort that was smothered by goalkeeper Paul Robinson but the longer the game went without a goal the more Rovers came into it.

They almost took the lead when goalkeeper Manuel Almunia embarrassingly allowed a tame Marin Olsson shot to slip through his grasp - and the Spaniard was mighty relieved to see the ball roll narrowly wide.

The Arsenal keeper also made a terrible hash of dealing with a long Robinson clearance, allowing N'Zonzi a header that bobbled past the post. And perhaps if N'Zonzi had not collided with his own team-mate Christopher Samba as he jumped, Almunia's error could have been more costly.

In the second half the home side became increasingly frustrated as Blackburn's defence kept them at bay. But when N'Zonzi was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal gained new impetus.

Substitute Marouane Chamakh should have put them ahead in the 80th minute when Robin van Persie's clever back-heel and Wilshere's cut-back gave him a wonderful chance from 10 yards - but his effort was blocked.

Then in the final minute, Nicklas Bendtner's header from a corner struck Michel Salgado on the line as Arsenal's frustration was complete.

The result leaves Manchester United firmly in control in the title race, now seven points clear although Arsenal do have a game in hand.

 

[Dodomeki]

Re: Wenger rules out January transfers


Fabregas unhurt after minor car accident

4 April 2011

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has escaped injury after he was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training on Monday.

The Gunners midfielder took part in the training session as normal after undergoing tests when he arrived at the club.

The incident occurred on the A41 road in Hendon, north west of London, just before 10am.

"Cesc was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training this morning (Monday)," an Arsenal club spokesman said.

"After the incident, Cesc made his way to our training ground in London Colney and took part in a training session as normal."

"The police are fully aware of the incident."

Police were called to the scene and confirmed no one involved in the accident required hospital treatment.

Fabregas has only just returned to the Gunners' team after two weeks out with a hamstring injury.

 

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Premier League: Blackpool 1 Arsenal 3

10 April 2011

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made a dramatic return for Arsenal as the Gunners took all three points in a thrilling clash at Blackpool on Sunday.

The German veteran was drafted in for his 200th appearance for the club after Manuel Almunia injured a knee in the warm-up at Bloomfield Road.

And the 41-year-old played his part to help his side to a crucial 3-1 victory that cuts Manchester United's lead at the top of the English Premier League to seven points.

The Gunners scored a quick-fire double midway through the first half through Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue.

But they had to survive a brilliant fightback from Blackpool, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher's goal early in the second half sparking a revival.

Lehmann was forced to make several crucial saves before striker Robin van Persie killed Blackpool off with Arsenal's third goal in the 77th minute.

The defeat leaves Blackpool a point above the drop zone and grateful that the teams below them all lost on Saturday.

Ian Holloway's men had started energetically and pushed for an opener without seriously testing Lehmann, with Arsenal's defence coping with Charlie Adam's dangerous set pieces.

And they were stung when the Gunners took the lead against the run of play in the 19th minute, when van Persie broke the offside trap and squared to Diaby for a simple tap-in from six yards.

The second followed three minutes later, when Arsenal's slick passing cut through the Blackpool defence for Eboue to finish convincingly past Richard Kingson.

Arsenal looked like they might run riot with Samir Nasri missing two golden chances. First, he fired straight at Kingson from 10 yards before moments later hitting the post from van Persie's clever pass.

But after spurning another hatful of good chances, Arsenal were given a warning before the break when Blackpool striker DJ Campbell just failed to squeeze the ball over the line from two yards.

And the Tangerines did get the breakthrough seven minutes after the restart when Campbell was brought down rounding Lehmann, but referee Lee Mason waved play on and Taylor-Fletcher put the ball in the back of the net.

Mason elected not to sanction Lehmann for the challenge on Campbell, with Arsenal without a goalkeeper among the substitutes should the referee have shown the German a straight red card.

Taylor-Fletcher then had a penalty claim turned away after a scything tackle from Laurent Koscielny before Adam failed to connect with a near-post header.

But Arsenal survived the Blackpool onslaught and finally got a third when substitute Theo Walcott raced onto a long ball out of defence and crossed for van Persie for another simple finish.

Even then, Blackpool refused to give up, and Lehmann was called on to make another fine save from Campbell.

 

[Dodomeki]

Re: Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar complete last 16 line-up


Kroenke linked with Gunners takeover

11 April 2011

US businessman Stan Kroenke is reportedly set to launch a takeover bid for English Premier League club Arsenal.

Kroenke, 63, controls NBA franchise the Denver Nuggets, NHL outfit Colorado Avalanche, the NFL's St Louis Rams, Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids and 29.9 percent of north London club Arsenal.

He is believed to have agreed to purchase the 16.1 percent of shares owned by Danny Fiszman and the 15.9 percent owned by Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith for 11,000 pounds per share - a total of 225 million pounds.

The deal would put Kroenke in control of 62 percent of the club and oblige him to offer a buy-out of all remaining shareholders.

The price of Bracewell-Smith and Fiszman's shares values the club at 750 million pounds, but debts of 147 million pounds take the proposed deal to a total of 900 million pounds.

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov holds the second largest percentage of shares, just over 27 percent.

Arsenal are second on the Premier League table, but have not won a trophy for six years.

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League preview: Arsenal v Liverpool

15 April 2011

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of up to four players when they host Liverpool in a Premier League blockbuster on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger is hopeful that young goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and Johan Djourou will make a return to first-team action from finger and shoulder problems respectively, while midfield pair Denilson and Alex Song could also feature at the Emirates Stadium.

Szczesny made a bright start to his Arsenal career with a string of impressive performances and could end Jens Lehmann's brief return to the Gunners' starting side if selected.

"Djourou and Wojciech are question marks," Wenger told Arsenal TV online.

"It could be a possibility that they could be available. It's difficult to say what their chances are. Denilson and Song have a chance to be available as well."

Bacary Sagna is unlikely to play due to a knee problem while long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen will not be risked despite returning to training after an Achilles injury saw him spend seven months on the sidelines.

Arsenal's last fixture saw them post a 3-1 win at relegation-threatened Blackpool on Sunday, a victory that was much-needed and broke a string of five matches without a win in all competitions.

The Gunners will need to make the most of their chances against a Liverpool outfit who impressively disposed of Manchester City 3-0 at Anfield which has improved the club's chances of qualifying for European competition.

While a Manchester United or a Manchester City FA Cup victory would allow Liverpool to qualify for the Europa League if they finish sixth, they want to make sure of that spot and not leave it up to chance by finishing fifth.

Andy Carroll's brace against Manchester City were his first goals for the club and if he and strike partner Luis Suarez can form a potent partnership in the last few matches of the season, Kenny Dalglish's side have every chance of earning a European berth.

However, Liverpool also have a lengthy injury list, with defenders Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Glen Johnson all sidelined while inspirational captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a groin problem.

The last time these two sides met, a Pepe Reina own goal in injury time gave Arsenal a point in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season.

 

[Dodomeki]

Re: Almunia eying Spanish return


No-change Wenger welcomes new owners
15 April 2011

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that his players will not be affected by the club's change of ownership.

American Stan Kroenke owns 62 per cent of the club's shares after agreeing to buy out both Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Danny Fiszman, the latter of whom passed away on Thursday after a long illness.

But Wenger says that his side are unaffected and will prepare for Liverpool on Sunday in the same fashion as they have their previous 31 Premier League games.

"A change of ownership is always significant. But on the football side of things, we will continue to focus on playing football the way we want to and develop our players," Wenger said.

"We have a squad of players around 23 years of age and we are in a good position in the league."

"We have a certain philosophy about how we play our football and we will continue to focus on developing that and to play even better."

And Wenger insists his day-to-day job will not change now that Kroenke is in charge.

"On a day-to-day basis, it will not change anything," he added.

"We will continue to run the club in the way it has been until now.

"That is to live with our resources, produce our own resources and develop our football team.

"I had a long board meeting with Stan Kroenke on Thursday and he will be coming to the game on Sunday."

Arsenal are undefeated in their last 14 Premier League games and can keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United with a win at the Emirates on Sunday.

Wenger, boosted by the return to fitness of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Johan Djourou, is convinced his charges can still make up the seven points to United.

"We have to look at it in a positive way. We have a good opportunity to reduce the distance between ourselves and Manchester United. We want to take it," Wenger said.

"Liverpool had a good win on Monday night (against Manchester City) so of course it will be tough."

"They have a good offensive force with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. We are also an offensive team so it promises to be an interesting game."

"I think it is an opportunity we want to take and that is one of the games that can help us move towards our target."

Midfielders Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Denilson (ankle) are doubtful, while Arsenal will definitely be without goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski (shoulder) and defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles tendon).

 

[Dodomeki]

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Arsenal 1 Liverpool 1

18 April 2011

Arsenal's English Premier League title dream appears over after a last-gasp penalty from Dirk Kuyt denied them victory against Liverpool.

The Dutchman scored from the penalty spot in the 100th minute of play to make the scores 1-1, just seconds after his international team-mate Robin van Persie thought he had won the game for Arsenal and heaped pressure on leaders Manchester United.

Van Persie stroked home his spot-kick, given for a foul by Jay Spearing on Cesc Fabregas in injury time, to seemingly end what had be another frustrating match for Arsene Wenger's men on Sunday.

But then, with barely 30 seconds left on the clock, Liverpool were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area.

The danger seemed to be over when Luis Suarez's effort was blocked.

But Emmanuel Eboue inexplicably shoved over Liverpool midfielder Luicas Leiva as he chased the ball away from goal towards the touchline.

Kuty took full advantage to earn Liverpool a point and leave Arsenal six points behind Manchester United, with both teams having six games left to play this season.

It was a dramatic end to a match that had looked to be heading for a goalless draw until the final moments.

Liverpool had Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio and Andy Carroll all taken off injured during the game, but Arsenal still could not find a way through.

And the result was no doubt a massive fillip for Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, who exited the FA Cup to bitter rivals Manchester City on Saturday but now go to Newcastle on Tuesday in pole position in the league.

Arsenal have endured so many similar matches during the course of the season and, despite all the focus on their shaky defence, the problem has often been finding a breakthrough against defensive-minded opponents.

The same was true against Liverpool.

The first half at least showed promise but never quite got going, as Arsenal attempted to play at pace but nevertheless created few clear-cut chances.

The first opportunity came after 13 minutes when winger Theo Walcott saw his shot badly fumbled by Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

But Liverpool survived that scare and were fortunate again when Laurent Koscielny’s header from a 17th-minute corner cannoned back off the crossbar.

Kuyt blocked Walcott’s follow-up with his shoulder - not, as Walcott claimed, with his hand.

There was another decent chance for the hosts after 29 minutes when Suarez gave the ball away and Cesc Fagregas combined well with van Persie, only for him to shoot wastefully wide.

Liverpool were so quiet in the opening 45 minutes, with Suarez particularly off colour, that Arsenal really should have taken advantage - especially after defender Fabio Aurelio limped off after only 22 minutes to be replaced by 17-year-old Jake Robinson.

With teenager John Flanagan at right-back and former youth teamer Jay Spearing in midfield, it left Liverpool with a lack of experience in such a big game.

Even so, Suarez had the first real opportunity of the second half, drifting past his marker to send a shot narrowly wide.

But Liverpool’s ambition was quickly halted by a series of further injures, in particular a nasty one for Jamie Carragher, who clashed heads with teammate Flanagan and had to be attended to for some time before being carried off on a stretcher.

Fortunately, the defender was soon reported to be awake and talking to staff in the dressing room. But it left Liverpool thin on the ground.

Striker Carroll soon limped off too with an ankle problem while the arrival of Andriy Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner gave Arsenal renewed momentum.

They finally forced Reina into a meaningful save in the 85th minute when he stopped well from van Persie, but Liverpool also had an opportunity through Suarez on the break and held out during the first eight minutes of injury time.

It all looked to be heading for a goalless draw, until the dramatic final moments.

 

[Dodomeki]

Wilshere named best young player

18 April 2011

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was named the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year on Sunday.

Wilshere, 19, edged second-placed Gareth Bale - who won the Player of the Year award - for the gong, while Manchester United's Javier Hernandez was third.

In other awards, World Cup final referee Howard Webb won the PFA Merit award, while his long-term assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey were also recognised.

Wilshere has become a first-team regular at Arsenal this season and his terrific form at club level saw him make his full England debut in February against Denmark.

''It is my first full season and it is a massive award, especially from my fellow players. It is amazing," Wilshere said.

''I am very proud to be the fifth recipient from Arsenal, it is good to keep this history going."

"Arsenal is a good club for bringing youngsters through and they keep proving it so I would like to thank the manager as well.''

He also said he was surprised when told he had won the award and hopes his side can manage to win a trophy this season, although Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool leaves the Gunners six points behind league leaders Manchester United.

''I am a bit surprised," he said.

''I always knew I could do but still it was a surprise how early it came. I am delighted just to be in the team to win an award, so I have to keep it up now and hopefully we can win something this year.''

Webb was honoured to receive his award, especially as it came from the players.

''It came as a bit of a surprise really,'' Webb said.

''It certainly is an honour to be recognised by such an esteemed body as the Professional Footballers' Association. It means an awful lot."

''It is nice that the playing side of the game has taken this opportunity to mark what happened with us last year, the two finals that we did and I am very proud of that fact.''

 

[Dodomeki]

Re: Wenger ready for Barca showdown


Premier League preview: Tottenham v Arsenal

20 April 2011

There will be plenty at stake when Arsenal and Tottenham meet in the North London derby in the English Premier League.

Arsenal will be hoping to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United, while Spurs' eyes will be on the Champions League when they go head to head at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

The Gunners are six points behind United with six games to play and - with far too many points dropped by the Londoners in the second half of the season - they will need luck to have any chance of upsetting Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

For Harry Redknapp's men, the rest of the season is all about trying to secure a Champions League berth for 2011/12.

Spurs enjoyed a magical run in this season's European tournament that included defeats of Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Dutch champions Twente and AC Milan before they were eventually eliminated in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid.

Redknapp's men proved that they could compete among the region's elite, but with three points between them and fourth-placed Manchester City - albeit with a game in hand - their time in Europe's premier club competition could prove fleeting.

In their last league game, Spurs played a scintillating first half at home against Stoke on their way to a 3-2 win on April 9.

Arsenal were held to an extraordinary 1-1 draw at home against Liverpool on Sunday, which saw two second-half injury-time penalties converted.

The last time the two sides met, Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at half-time to hand Spurs their first away win over the Gunners for 17 years, with second-half goals to Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Younes Kaboul lifting the visitors to a memorable victory.

Arsene Wenger boasts the healthier of the two squads, with only goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and defender Thomas Vermaelen certain to miss out, although the latter is back in full training after missing most of the season with Achilles tendon problems.

Right back Bacary Sagna could resume after recovering from a knee problem, while midfielder Denilson appears to have overcome a toe complaint.

Redknapp's problems centre around his defence, with Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King all unavailable for selection with respective knee, calf and groin problems.

They could, however, welcome back speedy midfielder Steven Pienaar from a groin strain. Defensive midfielder Wilson Palacios is a chance to return from a knee injury.

 

[Dodomeki]

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Tottenham 3 Arsenal 3

21 April 2011

Rafael Van der Vaart scored twice as Tottenham came from two goals down to deal Arsenal’s title hopes a body blow at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal thought they had cut Manchester United’s lead at the top of the table to four points when Robin van Persie added to earlier strikes from Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri to put the visitors 3-1 ahead five minutes before half-time.

But Tom Huddlestone's strike reduced the deficit before van der Vaart fired home a penalty to add to a low drive in the first half that had briefly brought Tottenham level.

And despite numerous chances for both sides, the game somehow ended without further additions to the scoresheet.

Ultimately neither side will be happy with the result as it also dealt a blow to Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four, as well as ensuring Arsenal lost ground at the top of the table.

It took Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas barely any time to help the Gunners into the lead, the Spaniard playing a perfectly weighted ball in behind the Spurs defence for Walcott to run onto for the opener.

Yet the lead lasted barely two minutes. Again it was a fine through-ball that created the goal, although it came from the unlikely form of right-back Vedran Corluka.

The Croatian bisected Arsenal’s centre-backs with the pass, and that allowed van der Vaart to run on and strike the ball low past Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

However, Arsenal re-took the lead after 12 minutes, when Samir Nasri exchanged passes with Fabregas and Abou Diaby before smashing past Heurelho Gomes from 22 yards.

Arsenal deserved another goal and got it five minutes before half time, with Walcott capitalising on a mistake from William Gallas to set up van Persie for the Gunners' third.

But to finish off an astonishing first-half Tottenham then pulled another goal back as Huddlestone showed outstanding technique to fire a thunderous half-volley past Szczesny from 25 yards after Fabregas had mis-kicked a clearance.

After putting sustained pressure on the Arsenal goal, Spurs eventually drew level after Szczesny brought down Aaron Lennon as he chased down a Luka Modric through-ball.

Van der Vaart stepped up and dispatched the spot kick to level the scores, and neither side could add to their tally despite both Gomes and Szczesny being forced to make excellent saves in the dying minutes.