Rosicky strike spares Arsenal's blushes

ARSENAL had Tomas Rosicky to thank for keeping up with Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League title race after the Czech midfielder fired a dramatic late goal to salvage a point against an excellent Everton side at the Emirates.

Stephen Pienaar’s cheeky finish after a swift counter-attack had set the Toffees on course for their first victory over one of the ‘Big Four’ under manager David Moyes in the 81st minute.

But, after spending almost ten minutes camped inside their own half following the goal, a break from Abou Diaby drew several players towards him, and the Frenchman released Rosicky, making his first appearance since returning from a hamstring injury. His shot with the outside of his boot took a deflection off Lucas Neill and rose into the roof of the net, securing a point that keeps them in the hunt for top spot, although it means they failed to close the gap significantly on leaders Chelsea.

Leon Osman had given Everton the lead after just 12 minutes when he was allowed to run unchallenged from the edge of the box and rise to meet Landon Donavon’s corner, which Denilson on the post could only help into the net.

If the Brazilian’s attempted clearance left a little to be desired, he soon made amends. After some intricate play on the edge of the visitors’ box, Eduardo laid the ball off for the on-rushing Denilson to fire home via the boot of goalscorer Osman.

Arsenal had walloped Everton 6-1 on the opening day of the season at Goodison Park, but there was no chance of that scoreline repeating itself as Moyes’ men harried and hassled the Gunners from first whistle to last.

The Gunners enjoyed plenty of possession throughout, but Everton looked more dangerous going forward, with Donavon giving Armand Traore a particularly rough ride down the right flank.

As the game wore on and entered its closing stages, Arsenal upped the ante, and twice came close from corners. However, it was from one such set-piece that Everton broke away to claim the lead.

Substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov played a superb ball through for Pienaar to race clear and cleverly dink the ball over Manuel Almunia, who had committed himself by going to ground too early.

The Spaniard was responsible for keeping his side in the contest shortly afterwards, however. Under no pressure in midfield, Denilson crumpled in a heap, allowing Everton to feed another substitute James Vaughan, who bore down on goal but Almunia was equal to the striker’s effort.

The miss was to prove costly, as Rosicky’s finish drew Arsenal level once more. The Gunners looked likely to go on and score another, but the referee’s whistle came to Everton’s rescue. A defeat would have been harsh on them. A draw is perhaps the most Arsenal deserved.