Wenger won’t give up title fight

Arsenal 1 Man City 1

But while the England winger’s potential transfer value continues to soar with each superb display, it was the damage to Arsenal’s championship chances which proved even more costly.

Only an inspirational overhead kick by Thierry Henry which set up Freddie Ljungberg for a late equaliser prevented Wright-Phillips’ 30-yard drive from handing City their first Highbury win since 1975. However, in truth, the damage was already done. For with Chelsea again winning, Arsenal’s failure to keep pace with the leaders meant that the gap at the top has widened to a worrying seven points.

But Arsene Wenger insisted it would be “criminal” for Arsenal to give up on their title bid - even after falling seven points behind runaway leaders Chelsea.

Wenger admitted the Gunners’ task is now more difficult than ever this season. However, with 16 games still left to play, he vowed to battle on to the bitter end as Arsenal look to defend their crown.

Asked if he is now more concerned than ever about his side’s title prospects, Wenger admitted: “Yes, because we have never been as far away from it. But I still feel that we want to give our best to the end of the season. At the moment, Chelsea don’t look like dropping seven points - but you never know.

“The only chance we have is to believe we can come back and give everything in every game. Of course, it’s not easy - but if you want an easy job then you should stay at home. This job is for strong men.

“I feel that giving up and saying they had won the title now would be criminal. It would not be professional - it would be absolutely disastrous.

“Things change quickly in football, but only if you believe and give everything. At the moment, they do not look vulnerable - but we went through a period like that and then suddenly looked very vulnerable again.”

Wenger admitted that his inexperienced side were “a bit insecure in our play, not determined enough and slow in our passing” in an uncertain first-half display.

However, Kevin Keegan paid tribute to his team, who deserved their point after a battling performance, in which central defensive duo Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin were superb.

“I remain realistic and honest, I think we deserved a point for our enterprise and energy. We didn’t come here to defend,” he said.

“But Arsenal deserved something for the way they came back at us. No team in this country can get a head of steam up like they can.”

Keegan went on to hail Wright-Phillips for not only his spectacular strike but also his all-round display.

“Shaun is a very special player. I haven’t seen a player like this in all my time in the game,” he added.

“He’s got terrific balance and courage, he’s small but can win it in the air. He can turn almost within himself.

“I said to his dad two years ago that Shaun is very special and will go right to the top.”

City were without striker Nicolas Anelka, with Keegan revealing the Frenchman had a back injury that forced him to miss the game.

ARSENAL: Almunia, Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Cole, Ljungberg, Fabregas (Pennant 65), Vieira, Pires, Henry, Van Persie.

MAN CITY: James, Onuoha, Distin, Dunne, Thatcher, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Barton (Flood 77), Bosvelt, Sibierski, Macken (Bradley Wright-Phillips 90), Fowler.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).