Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal

Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal

Portsmouth refused to allow Arsenal to climb back to the summit of the Premier League by holding them to a deserved 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.



The Gunners, who had not been beaten by Pompey since 1958, now find themselves playing catch-up with Manchester United, who are a point clear following their demolition of Sunderland.

Arsene Wenger's side spurned late chances to take the three points they required to go back top but were disappointing overall and a Pompey back line marshalled ably by ex-Gunner Sol Campbell refused to be breached.

• Campbell hails defensive effortIt was the fifth game in a row that Harry Redknapp's side had failed to give the fans a goal at home but the result could prove significant as the race for the title enters a significant phase.

Arsenal began strongly with Emmanuel Eboue causing trouble down the right flank. His first-minute cross just eluded the head of Cesc Fabregas right in front of goal but a one-two with Emmanuel Adebayor saw the Frenchman fire wildly over.

His next effort, from the edge of the box, was much better but home goalkeeper David James was able to get behind his low drive.

Pompey were guilty of playing too many nervous long balls in the opening exchanges but they soon calmed down once the recalled Kanu and top scorer Benjani began to link up regularly.

Benjani, who was required to operate as a right-sided midfielder when Arsenal were in possession, won a free-kick on the right when Gael Clichy was adjudged to have used an arm in the 18th minute.

The resulting free-kick, although initially botched by Sulley Muntari, led to the best chance of the first half. Muntari's second attempt at delivering the ball into a crowded box was brought down by Papa Bouba Diop, who lost no time in firing in a powerful drive that Manuel Almunia did well to divert round his right-hand post.

The Spaniard will soon qualify for England through residency rules and the away fans rewarded him with a chant of ``England's Number One''.

James still covets that accolade despite his advancing years and a period under Steve McClaren when he was ignored for international duties.

But the veteran showed he was still capable of a good-looking save when he threw himself skywards to stop Tomas Rosicky's curled effort from reaching the top corner in the 37th minute.

Niko Kranjcar had already fired an effort just wide at the other end having neatly turned Bacary Sagna to tee up his favoured left foot but the Croatian was involved in an incident just before the break that left Arsenal skipper William Gallas hurt. First Kanu and then Kranjcar challenged the Frenchman, who hobbled off with an ankle problem.

Gallas was able to continue wearing the armband for the second half and there was a nervous moment for the home fans when Hermann Hreidarsson made a full-blooded challenge on Kolo Toure in the Portsmouth area.

There was no margin for error but although the Arsenal man went down, the Iceland international had made enough contact with the ball for the liking of referee Steve Bennett, who then booked Lauren - another of Pompey's ex-Arsenal men - for tugging Rosicky back by the shirt.

Eboue was next in the book for a foul on Diop and, after Kanu had fired wildly off target on the turn, Arsenal swapped Eboue for Abou Diaby with 25 minutes still on the clock.

Almunia was required to get behind efforts from Benjani and then Kranjcar as the home side continued to believe the evening could yet be settled in their favour.

Indeed, Benjani, with eight goals to his name already this season, almost made it happen in the 75th minute when Kanu's superb through-ball put him clear of the Arsenal back line.

Almunia came out to meet him and succeeded in slowing down his path forwards as the man from Zimbabwe had to veer off at an angle.

And that was enough for Clichy, who used his prodigious pace to intercept and the chance evaporated as soon as it was clear that referee Bennett regarded the challenge as legal.

Benjani was replaced by John Utaka after Diop had been booked for a foul on Alex Hleb, who was swapped for Nicklas Bendtner, the goal hero of Saturday's 2-1 derby win over Spurs.

Gallas has also been a source of late goals and might have won it for the Gunners with three minutes remaining after he controlled a Fabregas shot and fired goalwards on the turn from six yards.

The ball flew just over and Portsmouth were fortunate referee Bennett did not penalise Campbell for has late challenge on the Frenchman.

Four minutes of added time followed but the game was destined to remain scoreless when Rosicky scuffed a great final chance wide.

# Campbell hails defensive effort

Sol Campbell savoured Portsmouth's hard-earned clean sheet against free-scoring Arsenal at Fratton Park tonight.

Arsenal needed a win to climb back above Manchester United to the top of the Premier League but could not find a way past a Pompey defence well marshalled by former Gunner Campbell.

'We had to battle hard because Arsenal are a great side,' England defender Campbell told Sky Sports 1.

'They had a couple of chances at the end but it was a great shift by the lads,' said Campbell.

'We wanted to get in their faces, put them under pressure and not let them settle on the ball. If you let them pass they will pass you to death.'

'We had a couple of chances of our own but it was not to be. Benjani had a chance but their `keeper came out quickly. It was a shame but that is the way it goes sometimes.'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his side had been frustrated by Portsmouth's defensive approach but had no complaints.

Wenger told Sky Sports: 'They defended very well, they were organised not to concede.

'It was a very good defensive performance, their minds were completely on defending. We were not at our best today but gave absolutely everything.

'Credit to Portsmouth, they made it difficult for us. They played in one half of the pitch. I don't think offensively they had a special performance, they played with 10 players at the back and in the end they got the maximum they could from this kind of game.'

Wenger was disappointed to have lost top spot but was not overly concerned.

He added: 'We would prefer to be at the top but it is very tight - only one point.'

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was delighted that his side had managed to blunt the Gunners and claim a point.

'A clean sheet against Arsenal is excellent. We worked our socks off. We worked hard and closed them down,' he said.

'We played the same system - one up front and others looking to join in - and I thought we had the best chance of the match when `Benji' went through.'

Redknapp bristled when told that Wenger had been surprised by Pompey's approach to the match and their reliance on solid defending.

'When you haven't got the ball you have to defend,' replied Redknapp. 'There is not a team in the country that is harder to get the ball off than Arsenal. You have to be disciplined and maintain your positions or you get ripped to pieces. Were we supposed to lie down and get ripped to pieces?'

Asked if Pompey's point had cheered him up after the defeats against Tottenham and Liverpool, Redknapp replied tongue-in-cheek: 'Yes, we've been on a real bad run at Portsmouth........11 games unbeaten (before the Spurs match). It was a great point for us today. Thoroughly deserved.'

Middlesbrough 2-1 Arsenal: Unbeaten record smashed

Middlesbrough 2-1 Arsenal: Unbeaten record smashed

Middlesbrough blew the title race wide open with a 2-1 win as Arsenal crashed to their first Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

The Gunners, who went into the game boasting their best ever start to the competition, remain just a point clear of champions Manchester United as Boro ended their 11-match winless run.

It also lifted them out of the bottom three and eased the pressure on manager Gareth Southgate.

The home side were rewarded for their incredible work rate with an early Stewart Downing penalty and a second-half strike from Tuncay Sanli, who may finally be the solution to the club's goalscoring problems.

• Southgate thrilled with confidence boost

Tomas Rosicky maintained Arsenal's record of scoring in every Premier League game this season with a stoppage-time consolation but it was more than they deserved.

The result capped a miserable two trips to the north-east in five days for the Gunners, for whom the absence of talismanic midfielder Cesc Fabregas and other key players is beginning to tell.

Although under almost incessant pressure, they were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and will surely need their better players available for sterner tests to come.

The Boro game looked a formality on paper, against a side they had beaten nine times in the last 12 meetings, losing only once.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger arguably did his best to soften up opposite number Southgate earlier in the week by including the Boro boss among his list of potential new England managers.

The tactic failed as Southgate's men began determined to emulate the high-intensity game that saw north-east neighbours Newcastle snatch a draw against the same opponents in midweek.

It paid off as early as the third minute when the recalled Gary O'Neil's ball sent Jeremie Aliadiere into the area and Kolo Toure clumsily brought down his former team-mate, who was going away from goal.

Referee Howard Webb rightly pointed to the spot and Downing applied just enough pace on his penalty to beat Manuel Almunia low to his left.

Arsenal were rattled but could have levelled when top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor was just beaten to Bacary Sagna's cross by the fist of rookie goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who continued to deputise for the injured Mark Schwarzer.

Boro were pressing from front to back and it was hard to see how they could maintain such a frenetic pace.

They could have had a freakish second when William Gallas' attempted clearance cannoned off Aliadiere but straight to Almunia, while Fabio Rochemback fired over from long range.

Arsenal took until the 22nd minute to have a serious shot at goal, Rosicky scuffing wide from 18 yards.

The Gunners were being knocked off stride, demonstrated when Emmanuel Eboue looked set to free Adebayor in behind but the through ball hit the striker's heels.

Toure saw a free-kick blocked as he tried to make amends for the penalty, before Rochemback - who was popping up all over the place - volleyed over at the other end.

Adebayor then headed a flighted Eboue free-kick inches wide, which Turnbull seemed to have covered.

Downing's free-kick effort posed no threat to Almunia, who had to be more alert to clutch a fizzing cross from Tuncay.

The Turkish striker, rewarded for his first Boro goal last week with a start against Arsenal, then fluffed his lines looking to curl a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Boro, whose intensity had dipped a little, found a second wind to finish the half ahead.

Wenger wasted no time shaking up his misfiring Gunners, bringing on Nicklas Bendtner for the disappointing Eduardo da Silva.

Arsenal had scored in every Premier League game this season, so it was not quite panic stations from the manager.

But it might have been five minutes after the restart when Rochemback capped a thrilling run with the perfect through ball to Tuncay.

With only Almunia to beat, the Turk's cross-shot screwed agonisingly wide of the far post.

Gael Clichy was booked for a late tackle on O'Neil before David Wheater saw a vicious goal-bound volley blocked.

Arsenal were conceding too many free-kicks and becoming frustrated with their inability to dictate the play.

Indeed, Boro were even beginning to out-pass them, the move of the match seeing Tuncay release Downing.

His cross was met first time by George Boateng 20 yards out but the captain's well-struck finish was just wide.

Wenger had seen enough, throwing on Denilson for Lassana Diarra and Theo Walcott for Eboue.

With the visitors committing more men forward, Bendtner mishit one over the bar and Adebayor got in behind only to see his cutback intercepted.

The danger for Arsenal was leaving themselves exposed at the back and almost as soon as Robert Huth was brought on for Jonathan Woodgate 17 minutes from time, Boro scored again.

A corner was not cleared properly and O'Neil's first-time shot was too hot for Almunia, whose parry was powered into the roof of the net by Tuncay, via a slight nick off Gallas.

Boro had the points in the bag long before Rosicky turned in Clichy's cross deep into stoppage-time.

• Southgate thrilled with confidence boost

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate believes their 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal will show to his players what they are capable of.

Stewart Downing put the hosts in front with a fourth-minute penalty after Kolo Toure fouled former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere, and Turkish forward Tuncay Sanli added another in the second half.

Tomas Rosicky pulled one back in the dying seconds for Arsenal but Boro secured victory after 11 games without a win - and in the process ended Arsenal's unbeaten league run at 22 games.

Southgate told Setanta: 'Our approach to (the game) was fantastic. I felt Arsenal having three games in a week was a tall order for them and thought it might be a good day to get them.

'We worked and scrapped and gave a really good account of ourselves.'

Asked whether it was Boro's best display of the season, Southgate added: 'No question. We played very well here against Birmingham but the quality of Arsenal's team is there for all to see. Hopefully the players can see what they are capable of now.

'It's been quite depressing at times but we've tried to stay positive and one or two are starting to score goals now. But it's one afternoon and we have to be more consistent.'

Goalscorer Downing added: 'It's a massive win, and even better that it's come against one of the top teams in the league.

'The penalty was a bit nerve-racking - there were a lot of Arsenal fans around the goal but I picked my spot and luckily it went in.

'(Arsenal) let you play a lot so we moved the ball quite well. We seem to play well against the top teams. We need to get the consistency in our game and get up that league.'

Aliadiere said: 'I was very motivated and we needed those three points today.

'It's a good start, we have picked up a few points in the last few games. We wanted to work really hard and get three points and this builds confidence for the team.'

In-form Fabregas rules out return to Spain

In-form Fabregas rules out return to Spain






Cesc Fabregas maintains he has everything he wants at Arsenal and is not considering a move back to Spain.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been in superb form this season, scoring 11 goals to help the Gunners storm to the top of the Barclays Premier League and into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Fabregas came through the youth ranks at Barcelona before heading to Arsenal in September 2003.

Since then, the combative Spaniard has gone on to become an integral part of Arsene Wenger's side and is now rated as one of the best in his position.

However, Fabregas continues to be linked with a big-money move back to his homeland.

The midfielder is currently away on international duty ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Sweden and Northern Ireland, but declared his intention to rebuff any interest which may come his way from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid.

'I am not even thinking about returning to Spain,' Fabregas said.

'I do not even listen to the offers that come in for me because I do not need anything that I haven't already got at Arsenal.

'And it's nothing to do with money - if it was I would have gone to Real Madrid last summer.

'I am not moved by money, I am moved by football.'

Fabregas added: 'I am playing and I am happy. Being a Gunner is very special, something that I am proud of.

'This is a small club on the inside, like a family, but it's huge on the outside.'

Fabregas will miss Arsenal's next match after collecting his fifth caution during the win at Reading on Monday night.

The midfielder believes a new 'relaxed' approach to the game has helped him focus this season.

'I think I'm playing the same as ever but the ball is going in for me, which makes it look like I am playing better,' Fabregas explained.

'I was getting in front of goal and being hasty - but one day Mr Wenger told me to relax and now I take my time.'

Fabregas is one of several youngsters to have emerged from the shadow of talisman Thierry Henry this season, the former Gunners captain having left for the Nou Camp during the summer.

The midfielder accepts the brilliant Frenchman was a tough act to follow.

'Thierry Henry is the best player in Arsenal's history and that's why people panicked when he left. It was like having to mature all of a sudden, a wake-up call,' Fabregas said.

'He was like an umbrella that we hid beneath and when he went, we were forced to step forward and take responsibility.'

Adebayor: I turned down move to Man United

Adebayor: I turned down move to Man United

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor claims he rejected the advances of Manchester United in the summer.

The Togo international signed a new deal with the Gunners but ahead of the meeting between the two sides tomorrow, claims he held talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger before deciding to stay in north London.

'When I got that approach from United, I was like `OK, it's a good team, one of the biggest teams in the world - why not?'

'It was very flattering for me and gave me confidence that I am a good footballer because, if a team like Manchester want to get me, it proves I'm doing things right.

'But don't forget I am already at a massive club and we have a fantastic team.

'I had a good discussion with the boss Arsene Wenger, we finally sorted everything out and I was very happy.'


Wenger confident ahead of United showdown

LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday he was not surprised by their outstanding start to the season and believes his Premier League leaders have what it takes to beat champions Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsenal go into the game at the Emirates Stadium with the narrowest of leads over United after rattling up 26 points from their opening 10 matches.

United have 26 points from 11 matches, both have goal differences of plus 15, but Arsenal are top having scored 22 goals to United's 19.

'I am not surprised because I said to the players at the beginning of the season, I wanted to be up there, and wanted to be fighting for the title because I felt we had the belief and the quality,' Wenger said.

Arsenal are unbeaten in all their 17 league and cup matches so far, while United, after a relatively slow start, have won their last eight league matches - and scored 16 goals in their last four league and cup games.

Wenger's team did the double over United last season, but still finished fourth, 21 points behind Alex Ferguson's men.

'I think we have improved since last season,' Wenger told a news conference at the club's training ground at London Colney.

'In the last two years we dropped our level and we were too far behind the top teams. This season we are back fighting for the championship.

'We have different characteristics to Manchester United, but I believe the collective pressure we put on them will be good enough, despite the fact they have very strong players.'

He also expects Saturday's game to be more of a technical affair rather than some of the blood-and-guts encounters of previous years.

'The game has a lot of special importance, a lot of tradition and over the last 10 years there have been some very good, competitive games.

'The characteristics of the two teams might have been more physical in the past, now today they are more technical, which will come out in the game tomorrow.'

The Frenchman said he knew nothing about a claim by his Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor that he was approached by Manchester United last season, nor about stories linking his former skipper Gilberto Silva with a move to Italy.

'I don't know anything about that at all,' he said. 'The players are under contract and if anyone wants to speak to them they have to speak to me first - and no-one has.'

He also said it was far too early to compare his current team with the 'Invincibles' who went unbeaten in the league in the 2003-04 season.

'We are consistent, we are a very young side, and it's difficult to be consistent with a young side. There is room to improve, there is more to come from this team.

'Tomorrow we play at home, everyone will be looking at us, and we have to relax and enjoy it and not think too much about being invincible.'

Man City's Schmeichel completes Cardiff switch

Man City's Schmeichel completes Cardiff switch

Cardiff have signed Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a month's loan.

Schmeichel goes straight into the squad for the visit of Scunthorpe on Saturday after a proposed move to Coca-Cola Championship rivals Coventry collapsed earlier this week.

The 20-year-old started the campaign as Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice at Eastlands but has lost his place to fellow youngster Joe Hart in recent weeks.

'The Bluebirds confirm the signing of Kasper Schmeichel from Manchester City initially on a month's loan,' read a Cardiff statement.

'The keeper will link up with the squad and will take the number one shirt vacated by Ross Turnbull, who has returned to Middlesbrough.'

'This does not mean Kasper has no future here, he just needs to get some games,' said City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Schmeichel had been due to join Coventry but that deal collapsed earlier this week amid the midlands outfit's current financial problems.

The 20-year-old started the campaign as Eriksson's first choice, appearing in the opening seven games of their impressive start to the Premier League campaign.

However, Schmeichel, son of Manchester United legend Peter, lost his place to Joe Hart for the home win over Newcastle earlier this month and has been frozen out ever since.

McClaren's luck to mirror Napoleon's?

European Championship Qualifying: Scores | Fixtures | Tables | Stats | News Archive
Updated: Oct. 15, 2007
McClaren's luck to mirror Napoleon's?
Richard Jolly
Archive

As England head to Russia for their crucial Euro2008 qualifier they could do worse than take heed of former manager Graham Taylor's interest in the fortunes of a previous visitor to Moscow.


Empics
Moment of truth in Moscow: Steve McClaren facing vital showdown with Guus Hiddink

Taylor, a hugely unfortunate, though not particularly good England boss, is fond of quoting Napoleon Bonaparte, who himself preferred lucky generals to good ones; but Napoloeon's luck famously ran out in Moscow with the onset of the Russian winter. The question here is will Steve McClaren's?

England's recent sequence of 3-0 wins has been notable as much for its good fortune as it's compliant opposition; the majority of injuries have had their upsides, either by sparing McClaren a difficult decision or in allowing an opportunity to a player who has grasped it.

Yet defeat on the Luzhniki Stadium's plastic pitch would represent a change of fortune that could ultimately result in the end of McClaren's tenure without leading England to a major international tournament.

Caretakers excepted, Don Revie is his only predecessor with such an unwanted distinction.

Standing in McClaren's way is Guus Hiddink, the man many believe should have been appointed instead of him and with an unrivalled record of overachievement with different countries in international football.

Yet, aided by having a superior set of players at his disposal, the Yorkshireman bested the Dutchman at Wembley last month. To do so again would confound most expectations of him.

Expectations of Hiddink are regularly confounded. In his team selection and his tactics, he can be a gambler, unafraid to sideline his biggest names and willing to back his own hunches. Two decades at the summit of management shows he is often right and his reputation can survive the few occasions when he is not.

McClaren's cannot. If no previous England manager has attracted such vitriolic criticism so quickly, it is because none have had the fundamental disadvantage of being Steve McClaren. But after six weeks of surprisingly successful decision-making, two more matches of correct choices will take England to Euro 2008.

Yet if it really is a masterplan then McClaren's talents extend to deception. The reality is that things have fallen into place. His assertions that Gareth Barry, for instance, has always been a fine player, while true, carry less credibility after ignoring the Aston Villa captain for almost a year.

Having rediscovered his faith in David Beckham, injury spared him from further subservience to the former captain. And after Emile Heskey defied predictions on his recall, his limitations, especially in front of goal, should preclude regular selection. His metatarsal injury spared McClaren a difficult decision against Estonia on Saturday.

However, decision-making cannot be dodged on Wednesday.

With Barry's presence a certainty now, Frank Lampard remains an issue. So, too, do England's tactics. McClaren has recognised that 4-4-2 has its failings, yet his principal attempts to implement another system - in Croatia last year - yielded far worse results.

Should England, as they did in Zagreb, alter formation in a quest to retain possession? It would enable the manager to reinstate Lampard, though it is only those in the England clique who fail to understand why he has been booed after two years of mediocrity in the colours of his country.


Empics
Barry: Indispensable or expandable?

More pertinently to the team's fortunes, Russia, like most Hiddink sides, are likely to have three players in the centre of midfield and England risk being outnumbered.

Yet the inability of some players to function in formations other than 4-4-2 may mean that the safest approach is to persevere with the same system.

Replacing the injured Ashley Cole with Barry at left-back would permit a way back for Lampard and thereby ease the mind of a manager who is always reluctant to offend his supposed star players.

However, that would bring a return of the malfunctioning Steven Gerrard-Lampard axis in the centre of midfield. Accommodating the Chelsea and Liverpool men as well as Barry in the same 4-4-2 shape requires the omission of either Joe Cole, whose flair is vital, or Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose pace could be invaluable on the counter-attack, with either Barry or Gerrard adopting a wider role.

In this argument Wright-Phillips is the more likely to be sacrificed, with solidity required and Gerrard a more dependable option.

Then there is another uneasy alliance in attack. Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen hardly conform to each other's concept of an ideal partner. The former rarely reproduces his Manchester United form for England, while the latter is either a scorer or anonymous, yet it is inconceivable McClaren will sideline either. Even Paul Robinson, his confidence seemingly at an all-time low, is in the rank of the 'undroppables'.

So, if England are to keep the clean sheet that will make thoughts of a summer trip to Switzerland and Austria more realistic, much depends upon Sol Campbell.

With Jamie Carragher alienated and John Terry unlikely to be fit, Campbell's international exile has been ended. Should his alliance with Rio Ferdinand prove as effective as it did during the 2002 World Cup, it could enable England to display the sort of resilience they demonstrated a decade ago in Rome, when a goalless draw sufficed.

The consequence, however, would be that McClaren would face a dilemma when his captain returned. That's a problem for another day, for now he has enough on his plate: whether to persevere with Robinson, whether to recall Lampard, whether Rooney and Owen are compatible, how to cover for the missing Cole and which formation to favour.

Decisions, decisions. This represents the ultimate proof of if McClaren is the man to make them.

Henry predicts Double joy for Gunners

Henry predicts Double joy for Gunners

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal can win the Champions League as well as becoming domes

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal can win the Champions League as well as becoming domestic champions this season.

Henry left the north London club this summer in a £16.1million switch to Barcelona after eight highly-successful years which saw him become the Gunners' all-time top scorer.

The 30-year-old never won a European trophy with the club although he was part of the side that reached the 2006 Champions League final before losing 2-1 to Barca.

This year, the Gunners have made a flying start to their European campaign and top Group H after victories over Sevilla and Steaua Bucharest.

They also lead the Barclays Premier League having dropped just two points all season to confound critics who predicted a tough season following Henry's departure.

Now the Frenchman has predicted double success for Arsene Wenger's young team, telling the Evening Standard: 'I have been watching Arsenal and see that they are playing entertaining football and winning every game home and away.

'I know the young players there very well and they can definitely win the Premier League and Champions League this season. I watched how they beat Sevilla in the Champions League and I think they sent out a big message to the rest of Europe. Sevilla is not an easy team to play, but Arsenal played a great game.'

The Gunners experienced a period of unrest in the summer with the shock exit of former vice-chairman David Dein and Henry's departure followed by uncertainty over Wenger's future until the manager agreed a new contract at the Emirates.

Henry revealed he has maintained his relationship with his fellow Frenchman, with whom he started his career at Monaco more than 10 years ago.

'Me and Arsene have been in contact a few times since I left. I always talk to him because even with the difference of age, the bond and respect is there,' Henry said.

'It is tremendous that he has signed a new contract. He has great eyes and just has a talent for spotting young talent. He is a great human being as well and that's what makes the difference. He makes players feel comfortable and always gets the best out of them.'

Henry wishes to say a final farewell to the Gunners fans, many of whom were distraught at his exit.

'I think I will try and do it in December because we have a winter break in Spain and I will have the time,' Henry added.

'I would rather go back in a non-playing situation and be able to enjoy it. I don't want to get drawn against Arsenal in the Champions League this season. That would not be a proper way to say goodbye to the fans.

'When I go, I will probably just sit in the stands. I won't walk out on the pitch or anything like that.

'The focus should be on the team and I don't want to draw any attention away from them and what they're doing. They will be playing a game and I want to respect that.'

The former Juventus player has experienced a frustrating start to his career at Barca after being ruled out through injury but he now feels he has overcome his problems.

He said: 'I played eight seasons without missing anything. It was a shock to the system to not play for six months and coming back has not been easy, but I am starting to feel better.

'The pain is going away and I felt sharper for the first time against Real Zaragoza a couple of weeks ago. It's been a long time since I felt like that.

'The atmosphere is good at Barcelona. It is like a family and reminds me of Arsenal.'

Henry, though, is less than optimistic about France's chances for Euro 2008, with Les Bleus third behind Scotland and Italy in Group B.

He said: 'We are not even talking about whether we can win Euro 2008 because we are fighting to qualify right now - I don't know if we will. There is a possibility that we will be at home watching it.'

Richards hopes for Arsenal move... one day

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has revealed he hopes to play for his boyhood heroes Arsenal one day.

The 19-year-old centre-half has been superb for City in their flying start to life under Sven-Goran Eriksson and he has also performed well at right-back for England.

Richards was born in Birmingham and grew up in Leeds but the north London side were his favourites as a child and his long-term goal is to be a Gunner.

'I was a big Ian Wright fan when I was younger, so I supported Arsenal,' he told Nuts magazine.

'Wright and Patrick Vieira were my idols so yeah, if the opportunity came to play for them one day I'd take it.

'But right now I'm concentrating on trying to keep City in the top half, and we've got the players to do it.'

Arsenal v Derby: Preview

Arsenal v Derby: Preview



After almost quitting Arsenal during the summer, midfielder Mathieu Flamini intends to make the most of his chance this season.

The 23-year-old had become frustrated by a lack of first-team football last season and was ready to further his career away from Emirates Stadium.

Despite being linked with a move to several other Barclays Premier League clubs as well as the likes of Inter Milan, the Frenchman decided to stay at the Gunners following a heart-to-heart with manager Arsene Wenger.

He said: 'It is true I was close to leaving because I did not play enough, so I spoke to the coach and we had a good discussion.

'Now I am here and am very happy to be here.

'The manager told me he had confidence in me and I said, 'All right I am going to stay and I will prove that I can play'.

'Sometimes I have to move, like last time when I play right-back. I like to play midfield because it is my natural position. One game by one game and I will see.'

Arsenal will be expected to chalk up another comprehensive win against the newly-promoted Rams, who may have beaten Newcastle on Monday night to move off the bottom, but have yet to score a goal away from home and have shipped 11.

Derby manager Billy Davies is preparing his side to face a player he believes is potentially the best midfielder in the world - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

The Rams are buoyant after earning their first win of the season on Monday night against Newcastle - a result which saw them move off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League - but Davies insists there are even stiffer challenges around the corner.

He takes his side to the Emirates Stadium and Fabregas, in commanding form this season with three league goals and two Champions League strikes to his name already, is the man Davies fears most.

And although he thinks the Spaniard is among the finest players on the planet at present, the Scot concedes that the Gunners have so many possible match-winners they cannot get them all into one team.

He said: 'Fabregas is one of the best, if not the best, midfield player in the world.

'He is a top, top player on great form.

'But they have so many good players. Look at their bench, they have top, top players on the bench. Look at the stand even, they have top quality players sitting in the seats of their stand.'

Regardless of their quality, Davies insists his side must try and repeat the success they enjoyed against Newcastle, where some full-blooded defence and a stunning 30-yard goal from debutant Kenny Miller earned them a deserved win.

'I've said all along that only with time will this team improve and individuals will improve.

'Our first seven games (including Arsenal) were always going to be very difficult matches. We've played sides over the last few weeks who should finish in the top six - the Liverpools, the Newcastles, the Tottenhams.

'But Monday night was much more like it for us.

'You go to do your best and we'll try and get our players playing at their maximum on Saturday. We go down there to compete and to try and carry on from where we left off against another expensive unit in Newcastle.

'We are finding our feet but we know that doesn't guarantee us victories.'

Wenger has plenty of injury concerns.

Captain William Gallas (groin), keeper Jens Lehmann (elbow) and Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) have been joined on the sidelines by midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

Defender Philippe Senderos (hip) and winger Alexander Hleb (knee) are also both now doubtful.

Davies though, could select the same XI who secured the club's first win of the season when they visit Arsenal on Saturday.

Scotland striker Miller has suffered no recurrence of the hamstring strain which delayed his first appearance and will lead the line again.

Veteran defender Darren Moore is back in training after a knee injury and is close to becoming available but Davies could opt to stick with a back four who kept a clean sheet last time out.

Teenage midfielder Giles Barnes has also been in full training for a week following a foot injury sustained in the play-off final last season but will not be considered until next weekend at the earliest.

Arsenal 5-0 Derby: Hat-trick hero Adebayor
PA

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League after their five-star performance destroyed dire Derby 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Empics
Diaby: The young midfielder puts Arsenal ahead.

A hat-trick from Emmanuel Adebayor and goals from Abou Diaby and Cesc Fabregas swept clueless County aside in emphatic style.

• Wenger: We are the real deal

The Londoners are clearly not missing the departed Thierry Henry as this latest victory preserved their 100% home record and left them undefeated so far this season.

Arsenal should have taken the lead in the fourth minute of the game after a superb run down the left flank from Gael Clichy.

The left-back's low cross found Adebayor unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, but the tall striker failed to direct his effort on target.

However, the Gunners took the lead in the 10th minute when Diaby side-stepped two challenges on the edge of the penalty area before firing an unstoppable rising drive into the top corner of the net.

He almost repeated the feat moments later, but this time his low drive from a similar position was pushed to safety by Stephen Bywater.

Arsenal's free-flowing football was a joy to watch and Derby were finding it difficult to hold the hosts at bay.

Derby offered little in the way of an attacking threat under Arsenal's domination of the game.

In the 23rd minute Arsenal almost opened up the Rams for a second time when Adebayor got on the end of a long ball from Kolo Toure.

But again the tall striker could not get a firm strike on the ball and it was collected easily by Bywater.

The home side looked dangerous with every attack and the Premier League newcomers struggled to cope with the pace of the game.

Adebayor made it two to Arsenal in the 25th minute when he latched onto a pass from Fabregas and ran clear of the Derby defence. The Arsenal striker then rounded Bywater and slotted the ball home.

Derby, hammered 6-0 by Liverpool earlier this month, were seemingly out of their depth yet again.

Adebayor was a constant threat and in the 35th minute he almost turned provider for Eduardo.

This time his cross was just too far for the Arsenal striker to control and the chance went begging.

Moments later Theo Walcott tried his luck from 20 yards, but his accuracy and power did not match that of team-mate Diaby and the ball went wide of the target by some margin.

Fabregas was controlling the midfield and in the 32nd minute he put Walcott through on goal, but the England youngster fired straight at Bywater, who managed to grab the ball at the second attempt.

Derby's attempts to get back into the game were hampered by their own inability to pass the ball to their own players.

Their sloppy play allowed Arsenal to quickly regain possession and cause County further problems.

In the 44th minute Eduardo's header from a corner by Fabregas was brilliantly saved by Bywater.

The half-time whistle gave the visitors some much-needed relief after a first half dominated by Wenger's team.

Derby's plight worsened four minutes after the re-start when County captain Matt Oakley was punished for pulling back Eduardo inside the penalty area by referee Martin Atkinson.

Adebayor stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake for his second goal of the game.

In the 56th minute a surging run by Toure almost brought him a goal. The Arsenal captain started the move with a clever pass to Fabregas and when the midfielder crossed the ball into the middle, it was headed just wide by the advancing Toure.

Derby had their first real effort of the game on the hour when a shot from centre-forward Steve Howard whistled past the post.

Walcott almost created a goal out of nothing when he beat two Derby players during a mazy run into the penalty area, but his final shot was blocked.

In the 68th minute another fine Arsenal move ended with Adebayor heading over the crossbar after Sagna's cross had found him on the edge of the six-yard box.

With 20 minutes remaining Fabregas scored Arsenal's fourth with a crisp right-foot drive from 20 yards - it was just reward for a tremendous midfield performance.

But the rout was not over and Adebayor made sure of his treble in the 80th minute. The tall striker chested down a long ball and kept his composure before sidefooting home from eight yards to cap a glorious afternoon for Wenger's men.

# Wenger: We are the real deal

Wenger said: 'This team means business. We are not there to show off. We want to achieve something together.

'We kept a good concentration on the quality of our game. It was really enjoyable to watch.

'Adebayor looks stronger physically and you see that in many challenges. There is a huge force coming out of him. He had that already but he looks calmer in his finishing.'

Some of Arsenal's football was a sheer joy to watch - the kind of football Chelsea's Roman Abramovich wants his side to play over at Stamford Bridge.

But Wenger was not interested in what Abramovich wants in west London, adding that he was only too happy to stay true to his idea of how the game should be played.

Wenger added: 'We try to play football we love here and that is not linked with the Chelsea situation, it is linked to what we aspire to do. When we don't win we are criticised, when we win people love us. But above all we are faithful to the idea we have of the game.'

Fabregas was sensational in midfield and took his tally to seven for the season with a stunning 20-yard drive for Arsenal's fourth. It was his last kick of the game as Wenger replaced him immediately.

Fabregas is now beginning to earn the same kind of plaudits that made Thierry Henry such a star at the Emirates but Wenger does not believe he will get carried away with his own success.

Wenger explained: 'I wanted to take him off because he had a little calf problem at half-time but he took advantage of that by scoring a goal. He scored a great goal again.

'Cesc is naturally very hard on himself. That struck me even when he was 16. He is very demanding of himself. He has his feet on the ground and I think he will deal well with that situation.

'We have played six games, four times at home, so we are conscious next week at West Ham will be another test. We won in a convincing way at Tottenham, we could have won at Blackburn so let us keep it going.

'There is still room for improvement and the target is to get better and better and hopefully peak in April and May.'

Arsenal can look forward to a season of success but clueless County are set for a long hard slog.

They were simply outclassed by Arsenal as they had been at Tottenham and Liverpool but boss Billy Davies says the learning curve and the experience will help his side as they prepare for a crucial run of games.

Davies declared: 'Ultimately the early goal cost us dearly, it was poor defending even if it was a top-class finish.

'We were playing against Adebayor, without doubt one of the top strikers in the world, and Fabregas - one of the best midfield players.

'They have quality running through the side - they are a top side. They play with a huge amount of confidence.

'The learning curve and experience is crucial. It looked as though we were moving the ball around with a bit more confidence at time. But we still stood off when we should have been in people's faces.

'Sevilla came here - a top European side and lost 3-0 - so there is no embarrassment to come here and get a lesson off them.

'We are now going into a run of games against Bolton, Reading, Wigan and Everton and we've got to look to these and know they are the ones we have to compete and pick up points in.

'We are not despondent at all, we feel we are getting better and we will continue to work very hard.'

Sevilla need to nullify Fabregas, says Kanoute

Sevilla need to nullify Fabregas, says Kanoute

Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute returns to north London this week confident of putting one over his old adversaries Arsenal in the Champions League.

Kanoute played for both West Ham and the Gunners' arch-rivals Tottenham during a five-year stint in England before joining Sevilla in 2005, and the Mali international is hoping for a happy trip back to England.

Sevilla open their Champions League group stage at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, and Kanoute sees no reason why the back-to-back UEFA Cup winners cannot begin with a victory over Arsenal.

'I believe that we can win, I have faith that we can go far in the competition but we will have to see after each game,' said Kanoute, who scored twice on Sunday as Sevilla downed Recreativo Huelva 4-1 in La Liga.

'We are going to have matches in the Champions League that are much more difficult than in the UEFA Cup, but the team is prepared and ready for this competition.

'We have a better squad than last year, with more experience, and more players. For every position there are two or three players.'

Sevilla's victory over Recreativo was their second successive 4-1 win of the Spanish season, and they are currently second in the table with six points from two games - three points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Arsenal are also flying high in the Premier League, with Saturday's 3-1 derby win over Spurs lifting them to the top of the table.

Kanoute knows it is not going to be easy for his side on Wednesday, saying: 'Arsenal are a team who play very fast going forward, and who are very attacking.

'We can win, I know their team and if we can nullify their key player, Cesc (Fabregas), and we start quickly as always, I believe we can achieve the win.'

Confident though he is of a good result in north London, Kanoute still believes Arsenal are the slight favourites to progress from a Champions League group that also includes Steaua Bucharest and Slavia Prague.

'Arsenal are bigger favourites than us because they have more experience in this competition,' said the 30-year-old.

Burying the ghost of Henry

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Arsenal
There were those who believed the departure of Thierry Henry would signal the beginning of the end of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal's dynasty, yet the truth seems to be far more encouraging than the theory.

As Arsenal swept to a hugely impressive victory at the home of their nearest rivals, Wenger had every right to feel a glow of satisfaction as the master plan he has been working on for the last three seasons seems to be coming together in glorious fashion.

Oozing with class and threatening to show the cutting edge they so often lacked when they were dependent on Henry, Arsenal are the emerging as the title contenders no-one picked and Wenger can take most of the credit for their evolution.

The Frenchman has long been eulogising about the potential of the young players he has put his faith in this season, but it now seems as if he, and not the doubters who wrote him off not so long ago, will be proved right. Whisper it quietly, but Arsenal without Henry may even be a little better than the Gunners side that went so close to Champions League glory with their legendary talisman leading the line.

Led by the mercurial Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal's youngsters are now coming into their own in all areas and their refusal to shy away from a silky passing style that has long been viewed as both their greatest asset and primary problem, is charming and refreshing in equal measure.

Manchester United may have come close to matching Arsenal for entertainment value last season, but there can be little doubt that Wenger's team boast a style that leaves many neutrals hoping they succeed. All too often, brawn has beaten their brains when it has mattered most in the last couple of years, but Wenger has always stayed loyal in his conviction of how his side will play.

So even after Gareth Bale fired Tottenham into a 14th minute lead with a well placed free-kick on a beautiful autumn day in North London, Arsenal refused to panic and they should have been on level terms long before the break if they had taken the chances the created by carving their opponents open time and again.

Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Adebayor wasted clear-cut chances either side of half-time and had Dimitar Berbatov and Tom Huddlestone not spurned glorious chances to double that lead in what developed into a thrilling derby battle, Arsenal may have been making the short journey home nursing some wounds.

Instead, they proved themselves to be up to the challenge of bouncing back and as Emmanuel Adebayor rose highest in the box to head Arsenal level after 65 minutes, this game seemed to swing in the direction of the resident North London superpowers.

Even though Robbie Keane wasted a clear chance to restore Tottenham's lead, the pressure Arsenal put on defences with their quick and incisive play was beginning to tell and after Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas went close to firing the Gunners ahead, a fearful hush descended on White Hart Lane.

The game so nearly took an unexpected twist as Berbatov saw his header scrambled off the line 12 minutes from time, but then Fabregas struck his power-packed goal and with that, Tottenham boss Martin Jol knew he was in for more intense speculation about his future. England keeper Paul Robinson would have been disappointed as he was beaten with a long range shot once again.

Such issues are of little concern to Wenger, who will believes his side are proving them have discovered the way to add a winning touch to their creative brilliance. 'We scored the difficult chances and missed the easy ones in this game, but the result shows that the side is growing and maturing as I had hoped,' said a jubilant Wenger. 'It was important that we started the season well after losing Thierry Henry in the summer and while a player like that will never be forgotten, we are moving on now.

'We are playing in a very pleasing way. That is always going to be the case so long as I am the manger here, but the goals we scored in this game were very special and I have a great faith in these players to produce such moments. Even when we went in a half-time a goal behind, I just told the players to keep passing the ball and doing what they are good at. I knew it would turn in our favour and even though there were a few scares along the way, we got there in the end. This was probably our best performance of the season.

'It is nice to look at a league table and see Arsenal right at the top again and I couldn't fault the consistency of the team in this game. Even when we went behind, we showed the spirit you need to come back.'

It was easy to have some sympathy with Tottenham boss Martin Jol as the press room was quickly filled with rumours that his tenure as Tottenham boss would soon come to an end, but he remained defiant as he faced the media. 'The chairman says he is behind me, but this situation is not just about me as I have a great life whatever happens,' said a resigned Jol. 'I cannot fault my players for the commitment they showed in this game, but Arsenal were just a bit luckier than us and took more of their chances.

'I've been under press from day one, so I'm not worried because the press tell me I'm in trouble now. I will keep fighting and I'm sure this team will start winning soon.'

How Jol must wish he had the scouting network Wenger has been working with for the last ten years as the kids he has at his disposal have the potential to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson's crop of the mid-1990s that went on to achieve so much.

In Fabregas, he has a true master of the modern game, while the likes of Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby and Denilson play with the sort of style and grace that only great players possess. In Kolo Toure, he has an unsung hero of real quality and while they have yet to square off against a top four rival this season, they have every right to feel optimistic.

'Maybe we are already back at the top of this league and I don't just mean for a few days in September,' added Wenger. 'I have total faith in these players and I think the performances are backing up what I felt was possible for us this season. We have a great start and I'm convinced we can carry it on.'

The contrast of emotions could not have been bigger between the Tottenham and Arsenal camps after this latest instalment of North London's oldest rivalry. While you wonder whether Martin Jol will get another chance to manage in this famous old fixture, Arsene Wenger must have been tempted to mutter 'I told you so' to his detractors.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cesc Fabregas

The little Spanish magician took time to find his feet in a crowded midfield, but he began to assert his influence after the break and scored a brilliant winner.

FACE IN THE CROWD: Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles may not be one of Europe's sexiest men, but he was attending this game with a girl whose good looks would be welcomed on a catwalk. Clearly she sees the inner spirit in a man.

FOOD WATCH: A beef and ale pie made this a traditional North London pre-match lunch on offer in the Spurs press room and the half-time meat pie also went down well.

INSIDER QUESTION: Do any players opt for the traditional black boots in the Premier League? Pascal Chimbonda's glaring yellow footwear was a sight to behold, while Emmanuel Adebayor's shocking red matched his Arsenal kit.

ARSENAL VERDICT: Wenger's kids may well have been overawed by the presence of Thierry Henry in his final two years at the club as they are now playing with a freedom that was absent when all the focus was on the legendary No.14. This team are title contenders who will get better as the season moves on.

Usmanov buys second largest stake in Arsenal

Usmanov buys second largest stake in Arsenal

Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has increased his shareholding in Arsenal after his investment company Red and White Holdings Limited raised their stake in the club to 21%.


ARSENAL SHARHOLDINGS

DIRECTORS (Total 45.45%)

Daniel Fiszman 24.11%
Lady Bracewell-Smith 15.9%
Richard Carr 4.4%
Peter Hill-Wood (Chair) 0.8%
Lord Harris of Peckham 0.09%
Ken Friar 0.07%
Sir Chips Keswick 0.06%
Keith Edelman (MD) 0.04%

MAIN INDIVIDUALS (33.19%)

Red & White Holdings 21%
Stan Kroenke 12.19%

The purchase, which was announced on Tuesday morning to the Stock Exchange, makes Usmanov's company the club's second-highest shareholder behind Danny Fiszman, who has 24%.

Usmanov, who formed the company alongside fellow investor Farhad Moshiri specifically to hold equity in the north London club, first bought into Arsenal when he paid former vice-chairman David Dein around £75million for his 14.65% holding in August.

Dein left the club in April over differences with the board over investment possibilities - with American businessman Stan Kroenke's potential involvement thought to be the main sticking point.

But Dein is the chairman of Red and White Holdings Ltd and looks certain to remain a key figure as the debate over the Gunners' future continues.

The club release their financial results on Monday, with the move to the Emirates Stadium expected to have helped them cut the gap between themselves and the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

When Usmanov first emerged as an investor, he announced his intention to continue a process of accumulating shares - something he now appears to be making good on.

He said at the time: 'Arsenal as a business is undervalued. My aim is to steadily increase my package because I think the value of it will grow and will soon reach a higher level. The club has everything to achieve it.'

And while there is sure to be speculation about the Uzbekistan launching a full-scale takeover bid, the club's current board are already on record as being opposed to such a move.

Managing director Keith Edelman insists the club are not in need of investment and that manager Arsene Wenger has ample funds to spend.

Meanwhile Fiszman, who is seen as the key to any takeover bid, has also given assurances to the Arsenal Supporters' Trust that he has not intention of selling his shares.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
PA

Stunning goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor earned Arsenal a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane and piled on the misery for Tottenham manager Martin Jol.



Empics
Gareth Bale celebrates in sliding fashion at White Hart Lane.

Spurs had been ahead in the 15th minute through Gareth Bale's free-kick and had chances to add to their lead before Adebayor levelled.

Fabregas' strike came with 10 minutes remaining, and Adebayor also found the top corner in stoppage time, leaving Spurs with still one Premier League victory this season.

It was a cruel blow for Jol, who has appeared undermined by his board this season after their infamous meeting with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.

Spurs had not beaten Arsenal since 1999, during George Graham's reign, and there is a perception Jol struggles against the ``big four''.

It looked like business as usual when Paul Robinson was required to tip over Adebayor's volley from 25 yards in the early stages.

But Dimitar Berbatov was offering a threat for the hosts and he looped a header over the crossbar before getting fouled in the lead up to Bale's opener.

Bale's free-kicks at the start of last season helped him establish himself as one of the brightest talents around and his set-piece in the 15th minute was an example of his accuracy.

He curled the effort behind Arsenal's wall and inside Manuel Almunia's near post, leaving the peroxide Spaniard fuming with himself.

The 18-year-old, with two goals in his first three Spurs matches, was playing on the left of midfield to give Jol's side balance - but he was also needed to defend as Arsenal attempted to drag themselves level.

Adebayor immediately threatened at the other end after the opener, with Robinson required to turn his volley around the post.

The England goalkeeper was needed again in the 25th minute when Fabregas broke from the centre of midfield, with Alexander Hleb eventually having the shot and Robin van Persie firing the rebound across the face of goal.

Abou Diaby then had an effort from long distance on the half-hour mark and got even closer two minutes later when Hleb found him free overlapping. Diaby beat Robinson with his powerful effort, but it smacked off the crossbar to safety.

With both sides attacking, possession switched frequently and tackles flew in, Jermaine Jenas picking up a yellow card for one of them on Van Persie.

Pascal Chimbonda was fouled in stoppage time but was booked himself for urging referee Mark Clattenburg to show his opponent a yellow card.

As expected, Spurs were forced to defend early in the second half, although Berbatov should have added a second goal in the 51st minute.

Steed Malbranque slipped the Bulgaria striker through and he rounded Almunia but could not do the same to Kolo Toure, who was the last defender.

Adebayor fired over the crossbar in Arsenal's next move after Bacary Sagna raced down the right and cut the ball back. The Togo striker then tried to take it around Robinson, but the goalkeeper timed his dive to perfection.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger brought Tomas Rosicky on for Diaby to give his side another attacking dimension.

Yet Spurs were still threatening a second goal, with Younes Kaboul heading over and Tom Huddlestone cracking a trademark volley wide from Chimbonda's cross.

The England Under-21 midfielder had angered Sagna in that move and the Arsenal defender tripped him after 62 minutes to earn a booking.

Jol has been frustrated with Spurs' defending from set-pieces this season and a free-kick was their undoing again, with Arsenal levelling in the 65th minute.

Adebayor nipped ahead of Robinson to meet Fabregas' free-kick after Malbranque had fouled Mathieu Flamini.

Spurs' response was to bring on Aaron Lennon for his first appearance since knee surgery in the summer.

Robbie Keane raced through and had an effort saved by Almunia, although the linesman had initially flagged before play was allowed to continue.

Berbatov had two bites at Jenas' corner, but Gael Clichy cleared off the line.

Fabregas then got his stunning goal, receiving the pass from Rosicky before taking aim from 30 yards and bending into the top corner with the outside of his boot.

Darren Bent came on and was sent through, but the striker missed his kick.

Adebayor made him pay with a volleyed goal in stoppage time to add to Spurs' misery.

Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn

Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn
PA



Chelsea were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Blackburn after a second-half `goal' was controversially ruled out by referee Howard Webb.



Andriy Shevchenko is denied by Brad Friedel at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked to have sealed all three points when Salomon Kalou converted a cross from Julian Belletti, but Webb disallowed the goal for offside.

Chelsea had squandered a host of first-half chances, but Blackburn could have stolen the points themselves if Petr Cech had not tipped Robbie Savage's late effort over the crossbar.

• Mourinho rages at disallowed goal

However, Blackburn's point was overshadowed by a serious head injury to defender Christopher Samba.

The opening 15 minutes failed to produce clear-cut opening, although Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel was called on to hold a tame header from Chelsea skipper John Terry.

Blackburn, one of the teams identified by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, as adding strength to the Barclays Premier League, proved they were worthy of his praise with some clever attacking play.

However, Rovers were thwarted on numerous occasions by the last-ditch efforts of Terry and Ashley Cole as the goalscoring threat from Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz threatened to puncture the home defence.

Chelsea were bidding to take their unbeaten home run in the top flight to 66 games, but without the driving force of the injured Frank Lampard in midfield and the strength of Didier Drogba in attack, the Blues struggled to gain control of the game.

Drogba's absence was underlined in the 22nd minute when Juliano Belletti broke free down the right flank.

But his perfectly-flighted cross was headed over the bar by the unmarked Andriy Shevchenko - making his first start of the season in Mourinho's side.

It was a poor effort from the Ukrainian striker who should have at least hit the target from eight yards.

In the 27th minute Chelsea were prevented from taking the lead by a superb acrobatic save from Friedel.

Joe Cole's mazy run ended with his attempted pass to Salomon Kalou falling at the feet of Michael Essien on the edge of the penalty area.

The Ghanaian midfielder sent a powerful half-volley towards the top corner, only to see the American keeper fly to his left to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Two minutes later the foraging Belletti burst into the penalty area and send a right-foot shot into the arms of Friedel as Chelsea increased the pace of their game.

Shevchenko's touch let him down when Essien put him through on goal moments later. The Ukrainian failed to control the pass adequately enough and that allowed Friedel to gain the advantage he needed as Shevchenko failed to lift the ball over his advancing frame.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was the next Chelsea player to try his luck, but he too failed to find the target with a 20-yard low drive.

Joe Cole was unlucky with a curling shot in 35th minute, but Friedel had already spotted the danger and moved swiftly to clutch the ball to his chest.

Morten Gamst Pedersen wasted a good chance for Blackburn three minutes before the break when he fired into the side netting at the far post.

A sign of Mourinho's displeasure with his team's failure to break down Rovers saw him make a double substitution in the 54th minute - Florent Malouda replacing Wright-Phillips and Mikel John Obi taking over from Steve Sidwell.

The change almost brought instant results when Belletti's cross was turned in by Kalou but was controversially ruled out by referee Howard Webb for offside.

The decision sparked uproar on the bench, with Mourinho and assistant Steve Clarke berating the fourth official Peter Walton and remonstrating with him to look at the touchline TV screen.

It ended with Webb having to ask Mourinho to calm down, but TV replays suggested the Chelsea manager had a good case for the goal looked to be perfectly legal.

The controversial moment brought the game to life, with Chelsea fans making clear their dislike of Webb's decision with constant abuse and barracking.

Savage took advantage of some sloppy Chelsea defending to force Cech into a fine one-handed save in the 76th minute, but moments later Kalou sent a shot inches wide of the target at the opposite end.

Then, six minutes from time, a Shevchenko header from a cross by Malouda was brilliantly saved by Friedel. However, the Ukrainian striker's boot met the head of Samba as he tried to control the rebound and the Rovers player was stretchered off with a serious injury.

Shevchenko's effort was to be Chelsea's last real effort of the game as stubborn Rovers held on for a point.

• Mourinho rages at disallowed goal

Jose Mourinho insisted his side were robbed of three points by referee's assistant Peter Kirkup in the 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn.

Kirkup flagged Salomon Kalou's second half `goal' offside to the fury of Mourinho who says he will be waiting for the linesman to call him and apologise for his decision tomorrow morning.

Chelsea had failed to break down a stubborn Rovers side until Juliano Belletti's cross was turned home by the Ivorian striker.

But referee Howard Webb, acting on Kirkup's flag, disallowed the goal - a decision which sparked anger on the touchline with Mourinho berating the fourth official Peter Walton and urging him to look at TV replays.

Mourinho appeared to have a case as Kalou looked behind the line of the ball as Belletti drilled his low cross into the six-yard box.

A fuming Mourinho said: 'We scored a great goal. Only the linesman can tell us why he disallowed the goal.

'It was so obvious but I cannot understand it. If the linesman wants to explain, then maybe it would be a good thing.

'I told the linesman I would be waiting for his phone call to apologise.

'The game is over and we lost two points. I have only good things to say about my players. A team without big ammunition, without the two target strikers, Didier Drogba and Claudio Pizarro.

'A team without a top scorer like Frank Lampard and without that kind of ammunition, the team still played well against a team that fought a lot to keep a clean sheet and go home with a point.

'Blackburn are a team I respect because they fought a lot. But Chelsea were the best team, my players were brave and we scored a great goal.

'Blackburn started the game very well but Chelsea pushed them back. In the last 20 minutes, our attacking was massive.'

Chelsea have failed to score in their last two games and while Mourinho admits it is not good enough, he still claimed the goal against Rovers should have stood.

'We have scored one goal in the last two matches,' he maintained.

'One goal. For a team that has dominated possession in those two games, it is not enough, I agree. But both Villa and Blackburn defended very well.

'Brad Friedel made two fantastic saves today but we played well enough with a great spirit and attitude and I am sure the goals will come.'

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was delighted with a point but admitted their success was overshadowed by a serious head injury to defender Christopher Samba.

He was accidentally kicked in the head by Andriy Shevchenko late in the game and after a lengthy delay, was taken to hospital where he later regained consciousness and had planned to travel back on the plane with the first team squad.

Understandably, Hughes did not share Mourinho's version of events where Kalou's `goal' was concerned.

Hughes said: 'The goal was offside. He was only about half a yard or so, but he was offside.

'From our point of view we are happy that it was offside. It would have been difficult for us to come back into the game if we had conceded at that point. But the assistant referee immediately put his flag up and that usually means he is pretty certain himself.

'Obviously Chelsea won't be too happy with that but if you watch it again, I think you will see it is offside.

'I thought we showed some great qualities in the second half. I have sensed a different mentality in the dressing room and the qualities the group are showing at the moment enable us to come to places like Stamford Bridge and get something from a game many people would not expect you to.

'We are absolutely delighted but the one negative thing from our point of view is the injury to Chris Samba.

'We hope it is not going to be too serious. I don't know if he had come round in the dressing room but was on his way to hospital. He got a kick on the back of the head but we hope he is going to be okay.'

A Chelsea spokesman later confirmed: 'Chris Samba has come round at the hospital and is talking.

'It is hoped he will be well enough to travel home with the rest of the squad on the plane on Saturday evening.'

England 3-0 Israel: First Wembley win

England 3-0 Israel: First Wembley win

Steve McClaren's England finally flexed their muscles as they overwhelmed Israel to breathe fresh life into their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
AdamDavy/Empics
Shaun Wright-Phillips fires in the opening goal

Shaun Wright-Phillips' first competitive goal for the Three Lions put them on the road to a convincing win before half-time, with Michael Owen and Micah Richards completing a one-sided triumph after the break.

Yet, it was not just the scoreline that afforded McClaren a satisfied smile at the final whistle, more the thrilling manner of victory.

Certainly all those who called for the England coach's head during a turbulent spring campaign which included a disappointing draw against these same opponents in Tel Aviv may now need to pause for thought, even if their opinions will not be changed completely until a place in next summer's Finals is assured.

It now appears a double-header with Russia, the first encounter of which takes place at Wembley on Wednesday, holds the key to a trip to Austria and Switzerland.

No side coached by Guus Hiddink can be taken lightly but in this mood, England must fancy their chances.

There were heroes all over the field. Richards again betraying his tender years with another mature performance which nudges him closer to ousting Gary Neville as McClaren's first-choice right-back.

Man of the match Wright-Phillips has emerged from the wilderness at Chelsea and is now regularly embarking on those dangerous mazy runs which persuaded Jose Mourinho to pay £21million for him. On the other flank, Joe Cole begged the question why Mourinho is ignoring him.

And then there was Emile Heskey, another media whipping boy, exiting to a standing ovation from an upbeat, enthusiastic and delighted crowd who have become so accustomed to jeering their team in recent times.

The change of atmosphere and mood - with the notable exception of a sustained negative reaction for debutant David Bentley, who snubbed England's Under-21 side this summer - are manna from heaven for McClaren, who wants to turn Wembley into a fortress and as he strode into the home dressing room to deliver his half-time verdict, he could have had only one complaint, namely, why was the game not wrapped up?

Having seen his team perform so well in the opening 45 minutes and watched his gamble in selecting Heskey pay off handsomely, it must have been slightly frustrating the interval advantage was a single goal.

Heskey was one of the obvious culprits, blazing an early opportunity over before nodding Steven Gerrard's far-post corner wide.

Yet criticism of the Wigan man would be harsh in the extreme.

Heskey may have his faults but it was obvious for all to see why McClaren wanted turned to him once Frank Lampard had been ruled out.

His sheer physical presence was enough to unnerve an Israel defence which, occupied by trying to keep his mountainous frame at bay, opened up like a paper bag for England's nippier attacking talents.

Owen would have profited had he not crashed a volley straight into the face of Israeli keeper Dudu Aouate, who also saved well from impressive full-back Richards and Ashley Cole.

At the other end, Paul Robinson was a virtual spectator, given no chance at all to prove McClaren made the correct decision to stick with him.

Yet, for all the hosts' dominance, all they had to show for their efforts was Wright-Phillips' wonderfully crafted effort.

Joe Cole was the architect, showing the tigerish quality normally associated with his captain John Terry, to win possession close to the Israel box.

He then stepped onto his favoured right foot before picking out Wright-Phillips with a superb angled ball which dropped beyond the visitors defence.

Wright-Phillips' finish was executed to perfection and though Israel were convinced the Chelsea man was offside, TV replays proved he had timed his run just right.

McClaren's half-time mantra must surely have been for his team to kill the game off quickly. If so, the response was immediate as Owen proved 18 months of injury hell have done nothing to dim his predatory powers.

Gareth Barry, another effective performer after being handed the midfield spot Owen Hargreaves' thigh injury prevented him from occupying, created the opportunity with rolled pass into Owen's feet.

Stood on the edge of the box with his back to goal, Owen still had plenty to do. Yet, with an inspired first touch, the Newcastle forward gave himself the chance to turn and smashed his 38th England goal into the top corner.

If Owen is accustomed to finding the net, the most notable goal of Richards' fledgling career prior to this evening came accompanied by a never-to-be-forgotten four-letter reaction on live TV.

The Manchester City teenager will surely get many chances to atone for that mistake judging by the way he rose to power home Gerrard's corner.

Sweden 0-0 Denmark: Scandinavian stalemate

STOCKHOLM, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Sweden drew 0-0 with Denmark on Saturday to remain top of Euro 2008 Group F qualifying.

The home team had a handful of opportunities to score, most of them in the first half, but Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen denied striker Johan Elmander and midfielders Christian Wilhelmsson and Kennedy Bakircioglu.

'With the chances we had we deserved to win,' Sweden coach Lars Lagerback told reporters. 'Sorensen made a couple of unbelievable saves.

'We're in a good position (to qualify). It would be a lie to say anything else.'

The draw gave Sweden 19 points from eight matches. Denmark have 11 points from seven.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was in sparkling form, also went close for Sweden with a low shot that went narrowly wide in the 42nd minute.

Ibrahimovic was booked for punching Denmark winger Jesper Gronkjaer in the back in the second half. The yellow card means the Inter Milan striker will be suspended for the next qualifier against Liechtenstein.

'That's unfortunate,' Lagerback said.

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects there will be a development in his contract negotiations on Thursday or Friday this week.

Click here
The Frenchman's current deal expires at the end of this season and there had been speculation that close ally David Dein's departure from the board last season might make him think twice before agreeing new terms.

But Wenger, who has been with Arsenal since 1996, says he feels a 'responsibility' to the young side he is building at the Emirates Stadium and now looks almost certain to stay on.

'Am I still motivated to go on at Arsenal? Yes absolutely. I am very motivated,' Wenger told RMC radio.

'With all the young players I signed, I feel a kind of responsibility.

'I am in talks with Arsenal. I can't see any drawback to extend. There will be some news on Thursday or Friday.'

Wenger believes some of the up-and-coming stars have stepped up their game since the departure of talisman striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona this summer.

'We had a nice start to the season. We still have our technical game, and we have a young team that has got a little more experience,' Wenger said.

'We lost the star of our club, Thierry Henry, so it has changed something indeed.

'But you know maybe it has pushed the youngsters to take on more responsibilities.

'It is a little early to take stock after three matches at home. Our real challenges will be away from home against the big teams.'

Redknapp tips Gunners for championship tilt

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title after his side were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates.

And Redknapp understands Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big on transfers after watching the young Gunners, assembled for under £30million, cruise to a dazzling victory.

Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opener from the spot after David James had brought down Robin van Persie and the impressive Cesc Fabregas added the second from close range.

A quick free-kick from Fabregas then enabled Tomas Rosicky to score before a 62nd-minute strike from Kanu gave Pompey some reward for an afternoon of toil.

Only the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos darkened Arsenal's day, with the Swiss defender shown a straight red for blocking Kanu.

Former Gunners vice chairman David Dein had declared the club needs a 'huge injection of cash' if they are to avoid getting left behind by their bigger spending-rivals.

But Redknapp believes the current squad is capable of dethroning champions Manchester United.

He said: 'I don't know if Arsene has to spend money. He's got talented young players here. They bring these kids in from everywhere.

'I don't think he needs to spend massive money. Van Persie and Adebayor are two fantastic players. They are a threat to anybody. Then there are also people like Fabregas. Their side is full of quality.

'When they move the ball and pass it, there is no-one better than Arsenal. They will be right there in the title race. They will be pushing all the way.

'The two wide players Rosicky and Alexander Hleb are fantastic and their quality on the ball is incredible.'

Wenger revealed Arsenal's third league victory of the season, which lifts them to second in the table, was a joy to watch.

'We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but we can live with that,' he said. 'This team has been built to have an offensive personality. That means it is very important they express themselves.

'When you watch a game, you see that. We always try to go forward, even with 10 men and two minutes to go. I personally enjoy watching my team play like that. You don't cheat people.

'They feel the vibes coming out of the team when they sit in the stands. They sense when there is something positive coming out of the team.'

Blackburn 1-1 Arsenal

Blackburn 1-1 Arsenal
PA

Arsenal were left to rue a moment of carelessness by goalkeeper Jens Lehmann which gifted Blackburn a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.


GettyImages
Blackburn 'keeper Brad Friedal keeps Eduardo Da Silva away from goal.

He allowed Blackburn to secure a point when he flapped at a shot from David Dunn and watched in disbelief as it nestled in the net.

It was the second time this season the German has been punished for a lack of concentration. On the opening day of the season he allowed Fulham's David Healy to score from close range.

Arsenal went on to secure a victory against their London neighbours but were not so fortunate in Lancashire after Robin van Persie had given them the lead.

• Wenger fury at Blackburn 'violence'

The only sour note for Blackburn was the dismissal of skipper Ryan Nelsen for two yellow cards.

Arsenal took the lead in the 18th minute when Van Persie took advantage of some sloppy defending to score.

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel failed to deal with Eduardo Da Silva's shot after Theo Walcott had headed the ball on.

Nelsen and David Dunn both had chances to clear but failed to do so and Van Persie took advantage his second goal of the season

It was just the start Arsenal wanted after their Champions League victory against Sparta Prague in midweek.

However manager Arsene Wenger was forced to make a change in the 25th minute with William Gallas limping off and replaced by Philippe Senderos.

Blackburn almost drew level in the 34th minute following a free-kick from David Bentley.

He picked out Christopher Samba at the back post and the towering defender headed the ball back across the area.

Nelsen was the first to react and powered the ball forward only to see his effort come back off the post.

Blackburn, though, were still looking vulnerable at the back and a mistake by Stephen Warnock let in Walcott with Nelsen dragged out of position.

Walcott was in two minds whether to shoot or cross and failed to trouble Friedel in the home goal.

The Arsenal youngster sent a harmless ball across the face of the area and Van Persie was unable to get a touch.

Then Senderos delivered a goal-bound header a minute before the break only to see Samba make the clearance.

Bentley then tried to curl a free-kick beyond Lehmann in the 53rd minute but his effort fail to trouble the goalkeeper.

This was a good spell by Blackburn and Roque Santa Cruz sent a header narrowly wide of the post in the 57th minute following a free-kick from Bentley.

Derbyshire then almost equalised three minutes later when he got on the end of a cross from Bentley but Toure made a vital interception.

There was controversy in the 62nd minute when Cesc Fabregas handled Samba's effort on the line but referee Alan Wiley awarded Arsenal a free-kick for an infringement.

Lehmann had to look lively in the 66th minute to push away an inswinging free-kick driven at pace from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Then came his howler which allowed Dunn to score his first goal in his second spell for the club.

Blackburn were growing in confidence and Pedersen made space down the left only to find the side-netting with his shot.

However they were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute when Nelsen picked up his second yellow card of the game for a challenge on Van Persie.

Blackburn, though, kept their shape to take a point and continue their good start to the season.

• Wenger fury at Blackburn 'violence'

Arsene Wenger accused Blackburn of waging 'violence' against his Arsenal side at Ewood Park.

It was a charge dismissed by his managerial counterpart Mark Hughes after a feisty 1-1 draw.

Wenger said: 'I felt there was a desire for violence more than commitment in some of the challenges.

'We were very resilient against a team that was over-physical. We dealt well with the problem we had.

'My team showed the correct attitude and we are frustrated because we should be going home with the three points.

'We did well and had some good chances to score a second goal here.'

Skipper Ryan Nelsen was sent off after picking up two yellow cards but Hughes retorted: 'That attitude (by Wenger) surprises me. The worst challenge was by Van Persie on Stephen Warnock.'

Van Persie opened the scoring with his second goal in two league games when he took advantage of some sloppy defending after Brad Friedel failed to take the ball cleanly.

But Blackburn earned a point when goalkeeper Jens Lehmann spilled a shot from David Dunn and enabled the midfielder to score his first goal in his second spell for the club.

It is the second time this season the German has been punished for a lapse in concentration.

On the opening day he gifted a goal to Fulham's David Healy but Arsenal recovered and went on to secure a victory.

They were not so fortunate in Lancashire but Wenger, who saw defender William Gallas suffer a groin injury, refused to condemn his goalkeeper.

He said: 'Jens is really unhappy and really down in the dressing room.

'I do not need to tell him, though, he has made a mistake. We do not want to blame him. We want to keep the positives.

'While we conceded a bad goal overall we dealt well with set pieces and long balls.

'Blackburn is a difficult place to come and it is not a bad result for us.'

Hughes was delighted at the way Blackburn went about their business and refused to grumble about failing to get what appeared to be a clear penalty.

Cesc Fabregas handled a shot from Christopher Samba on the line but referee Alan Wiley awarded a free-kick to Arsenal for a mysterious infringement.

Wiley seemed to struggle with the physical nature of the game and dished out eight yellow cards as well as the red to Nelsen.

Hughes said: 'It was very competitive and I thought we dominated the game. We were the better side.

'Arsenal's key personnel did not cause us problems and we could have snatched a victory.

'We showed great character and equipped ourselves well against a top side. It sets down a marker as far as I am concerned.

'I am really delighted by the manner of our performance as we played the better football.'<

Match Stats
Blackburn Arsenal
Shots (on Goal) 10(4) 11(3)
Fouls 19 15
Corner Kicks 5 4
Offsides 5 2
Time of Possession 49% 51%
Yellow Cards 4 4
Red Cards 1 0
Saves 3 8

Teams
Blackburn Arsenal
1 Brad Friedel Jens Lehmann 1
6 Ryan Nelsen Gael Clichy 22
4 Christopher Samba William Gallas 10
3 Stephen Warnock Bacary Sagna 3
11 David Bentley Kolo Toure 5
19 David Dunn Francesc Fabregas 4
7 Brett Emerton Mathieu Flamini 16
12 Morten Gamst Pedersen Alexander Hleb 13
8 Robbie Savage Da Silva Eduardo 9
27 Matt Derbyshire Robin Van Persie 11
9 Roque Santa Cruz Theo Walcott 32
Substitutes
32 Jason Brown Manuel Almunia 24
2 Andre Ooijer Philippe Senderos 6
5 Tugay Kerimoglu Neves Denilson 15
10 Benedict McCarthy Alexandre Song Billong 17
30 Jason Roberts Nicklas Bendtner 26
Substitutions
A Ooijer for M Derbyshire (85)
P Senderos for W Gallas (24)
B McCarthy for R Santa Cruz (88)
N Denilson for D Eduardo (65)
N Bendtner for T Walcott (73)
Yellow Cards
David Bentley (24)
Mathieu Flamini (29)
Christopher Samba (30)
Da Silva Eduardo (65)
Robbie Savage (45)
Gael Clichy (66)
Ryan Nelsen (60)
Robin Van Persie (74)
Red Cards
Ryan Nelsen (84)

· Club Squads: Blackburn | Arsenal

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
PA

Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw which suggested the Barclays Premier League season could be a war of attrition right to the end.


Empics
Fernando Torres slips the ball past Petr Cech for the first goal.

The two clubs have played each other 16 times in three seasons and familiarity clearly breeds contempt with nine bookings and Hampshire referee Rob Styles coming in for flak from both sets of players as he fought to maintain order.

Fernando Torres' excellent first goal for Liverpool was all but forgotten as the yellow cards were waved, five for Chelsea and four for Liverpool. Captains Steven Gerrard and John Terry were among the bookings.

• Benitez laments 'unbelievable' decision

Chelsea battled away after going behind and were rewarded with a controversial penalty that Frank Lampard drove past Jose Reina.

Steve Finnan was adjudged to have brought down Florent Malouda, but the incident looked more like the Frenchman jumping between Finnan and Jamie Carragher before crashing to the ground.

The incident set the tone for the rest of a fractious match in which Styles almost lost control. In the latter stages he appeared to book Michael Essien for a second time without sending off the Ghanaian only for the fourth official reveal the booking had been issued to Terry.

Broken toe or not, Gerrard was there to skipper Liverpool against a Chelsea side who had their own captain Terry back from injury.

It was never a cordial meeting between international skipper and his deputy, the pair involved in frequent verbal exchanges during an increasingly feisty clash.

Chelsea included Essien in their defence, who was pressed into service despite a groin injury because Jose Mourinho was without defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea used Essien at right-back and John Obi Mikel as a holding midfielder, with Salomon Kalou trying to push on from midfield to aid Didier Drogba.

Malouda, who chose Chelsea ahead of Liverpool when he moved from Lyon in the summer, and Shaun Wright-Phillips were also quick to attack in a brave Mourinho system.

Liverpool went for a straight-forward 4-4-2 with Riise keen to exploit any unfamiliarity to right-back from Essien.

And the threat was demonstrated when Riise appeared in yards of space to take a Steve Finnan cross-field ball only for Petr Cech to come flying off his line to avert the danger.

Essien was booked for sending Alvaro Arbeloa flying on the touchline, then Chelsea's vulnerability on their right flank saw them a goal behind on 16 minutes.

Gerrard played the ball with the outside of his right foot, finding Torres heading into the area.

The Spain international took on Tal Ben-Haim, leaving the ex-Bolton man in just a couple of yards before squeezing a clever side-foot shot just inside Cech's far post.

Anfield went wild and the £20million man was an instant hero as he was mobbed by his delirious colleagues.

Chelsea responded with a Drogba free-kick that was deflected wide and Kalou saw a six-yard box chance disappear as he failed to shoot quickly.

Gerrard mopped up with a ferocious challenge on Drogba to clear.

The match got more heated and Dirk Kuyt was booked for a trip on Lampard.

The atmosphere deteriorated further after Chelsea complaints to referee Rob Styles over challenges on Malouda and Terry, the latter involved in an exchange of words with the perpetrator, Torres.

Pennant was then booked for dissent after being penalised for a foul.

Gerrard was next into the book for a foul on Mikel, the half ending with Torres limping away after a heavy challenge and plenty of exchanges between England colleagues on both sides.

Chelsea brought on Claudio Pizarro for Kalou at the break, to provide better support for Drogba. And the Peruvian made an instant impact.

First he nodded on a Lampard corner for Terry to head just over, and then he stretched at the far post to head wide himself.

Much of Liverpool's play in the opening half was geared to containment, but they were more adventurous attacking the Kop end and Gerrard and Xabi Alonso both saw chances go wide while a Riise free-kick was charged down.

But on 61 minutes, Chelsea were level from the penalty spot. It was a controversial decision by referee Styles to penalise Steve Finnan for a challenge on Malouda.

It looked as if Malouda had jumped between Finnan and Carragher before tumbling and Carragher was booked for arguing before Lampard drove the spot-kick home.

The bookings continued and Ben-Haim's for dissent soon after was the third caution in four minutes.

On 67 minutes, Ryan Babel replaced Pennant, who had just set up Riise for a power drive just wide.

Lampard was soon booked for dissent, with Terry following, Chelsea fuming at what they perceived as a Torres dive looking for a free-kick.

There was more argument involving Essien before the free-kick went Liverpool's way. The Ghanian appeared to be booked for a second time but Styles later confirmed that only Terry had been yellow-carded.

What was certain was that the game had deteriorated into a nasty, spiteful battle.

Cech did well to keep out a close-range Riise effort as Liverpool pressed again. Crouch taking over from Riise with seven minutes left.

Kuyt's flicked header just cleared the bar before Alex came on for his Chelsea debut in place of Malouda.

Chelsea were now intent on the point, which they achieved after Babel skimmed a late effort inches wide.

• Benitez laments 'unbelievable' decision

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard accused referee Rob Styles of cracking under pressure from Chelsea players when he awarded a highly-controversial penalty which saw the visitors earn a draw at Anfield.

Fernando Torres netted with a fine side-footed effort after just 16 minutes, and Liverpool looked to be on course to repeat last season's league victory over the then-champions at Anfield.

But in the second period Frank Lampard belted home a penalty, controversially given for a challenge by Steve Finnan on Florent Malouda.

Asked if his side deserved to win, Gerrard said: 'I think so. I think a very, very unfair decision has got Chelsea a point today. But I think we proved today we are capable of challenging.

'I felt the referee didn't play well today. There was a lot of pressure from the Chelsea players and I thought he eventually cracked.'

Asked about his slim chances of overcoming a broken toe to play in England's friendly against Germany on Wednesday, Gerrard said: 'I looked fit today because I had a painkilling injection to play. I need to rest to be ready for the England qualifiers.

'I've spoken to Steve McClaren a couple of times and I'll speak to him tomorrow I suppose.

'The sensible thing is to make sure you are ready for big games.

'If the x-ray tomorrow shows the crack has healed, I'll be playing for England. But I can't see it because three days ago I had an x-ray and I'd broken a toe.'An irate Rafael Benitez described Styles' decision as 'unbelievable'. 'I think it was a mistake.

'Unbelievable. How can you change a game like this?'

Asked if he challenged Styles about the decision after the match, the Spaniard said: 'No. It is clear, he can watch the video. He may understand why we are so disappointed. Unbelievable.'

Benitez took positives from his side's performance, however.

'We had some chances against a very good team. The game was under control but this kind of decision, you cannot explain.

'Maybe he was under pressure all the time. I prefer not to say too much.'

Benitez's Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho insisted Styles had 'a positive game'.

However, the Portuguese reserved judgement on the penalty decision in his side's favour. He said: 'I don't know. But so many times you are unfortunate, especially in this stadium with referees' decisions, I don't know. I think it is a difficult game for referees.

'Not every player on the pitch was trying to help the referee. A couple of them, maybe because of their different culture, didn't help the referee. But two big teams at Anfield is not easy.

'Overall Mr Styles had a positive game.'

Mourinho talked of his adventurous team selection and formation but admitted he was happy to play for a point in the last five minutes.

'I think it is difficult to play here because they are a good team and it is a positive result for us, especially because we were losing.'

Match Stats
Liverpool Chelsea
Shots (on Goal) 19(8) 8(2)
Fouls 11 16
Corner Kicks 5 2
Offsides 3 1
Time of Possession 56% 44%
Yellow Cards 4 5
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 0 5

Teams
Liverpool Chelsea
25 Jose Reina Petr Cech 1
5 Daniel Agger Tal Ben-Haim 22
17 Alvaro Arbeloa Ashley Cole 3
23 Jamie Carragher John Terry 26
3 Steve Finnan Michael Essien 5
14 Xabi Alonso Frank Lampard 8
8 Steven Gerrard Florent Malouda 15
16 Jermaine Pennant Mikel John Obi 12
6 John Arne Riise Shaun Wright-Phillips 24
18 Dirk Kuyt Didier Drogba 11
9 Fernando Torres Salomon Kalou 21
Substitutes
30 Charles Itandje Carlo Cudicini 23
4 Sami Hyypia Alex 33
20 Javier Mascherano Joe Cole 10
19 Ryan Babel Claude Makelele 4
15 Peter Crouch Claudio Pizarro 14
Substitutions
R Babel for J Pennant (68)
C Pizarro for S Kalou (46)
P Crouch for J Riise (83)
J Cole for S Wright-Phillips (77)
Alex for F Malouda (85)
Yellow Cards
Dirk Kuyt (30)
Michael Essien (12)
Jermaine Pennant (40)
Ashley Cole (59)
Steven Gerrard (43)
Tal Ben-Haim (63)
Jamie Carragher (61)
Frank Lampard (70)
John Terry (74)
· Club Squads: Liverpool | Chelsea