Arsenal refuse to lose

Arsenal 5 Middlesbrough 3

In an unbeaten league marathon that has now spanned 42 games and 15 months, the Gunners produced a storybook finish to emulate Nottingham Forest's record run 25 years earlier.

However, while the record books will simply note the achievement, it was the manner of the recovery act which was truly remarkable.

Showing defiance beyond expectation, they set down a psychological marker that will be difficult to erase this season. Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu believes that some teams are beaten as soon as they see Arsenal players in the tunnel. Now opponents must overcome the terrible feeling that Arsenal simply refuse to lose.

Having powered into the lead on 26 minutes through Thierry Henry, Arsenal were stunned as Joseph-Desire Job equalised just before the break.

That was nothing compared to the incredible 20-minute spell after the restart as a total of five goals flew in at either end.

Firstly, Boro stormed into a shock 3-1 lead through Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Franck Queudrue but not even those setbacks could shake Arsenal out of their confident stride towards the line.

Their response was as stunning as it was stirring. With Dennis Bergkamp hauling them back into contention, substitute Robert Pires equalised before Jose Reyes struck and then Henry rounded off a 5-3 victory in the last minute.

Arsene Wenger hailed his players' "remarkable" character as he admitted it was the closest they had come to losing their unbeaten run.

"It was because we refused to lose the game that we came back. Where we defended badly, we could compensate by being offensively remarkable.

"At 3-1 down, it was a mental test as we were on the verge of losing by more than three goals. I don't know how, but this team always finds plenty of resources to bounce back. To score four great goals in 30 minutes is fantastic.

I'm very proud of the strength we showed but it was a difficult victory.

"I felt it was down to more of a physical problem than complacency. We were all lacking a bit of sharpness. It was the start of the season, a hot day and many players had been away on international duty."

Asked if his team now felt invincible, Wenger maintained: "No, to the contrary. At 3-1 down, it makes you realise we were closer to losing than winning the game. I didn't feel invincible at all."

McClaren nevertheless insisted: "Once a team establishes themselves like Arsenal have, there is a certain invincibility about that - and they know it."

The Boro boss was left to reflect on just how close his team had come to causing a major upset at Highbury.

"It's not often that you come away from here having scored three goals and be disappointed to have lost. We had a chance of winning but credit to Arsenal," he said.

"Their record is a magnificent achievement. We lacked a bit of experience, which is something we have to learn quickly.

"It's still very early in the season but they have to be the favourites for the title. I've never seen a team with so many attacking options."

Before kick-off, Arsenal had been presented with a replica of the Premiership trophy to mark their unbeaten success last season, while Henry was also handed the 'golden shoe' as the leading goalscorer in Europe of 2003-04.

Their breakthrough came on 26 minutes, as Reyes' visionary long pass was controlled by Henry before he clipped his lob over Schwarzer and not even Colin Cooper's last-gasp effort could keep the ball out.

Arsenal nevertheless started to take their foot off the pedal as half-time approached and, even though Henry curled and dipped a 25-yard free-kick against the bar, Boro managed to draw level as Joseph Desire Job smashed his shot just inside the near post for a shock equaliser.

Arsenal had to remain alert, but Pascal Cygan was clearly at fault just five minutes into the second half as Boro seized the lead through Hasselbaink.

Worse was to follow for Arsenal just two minutes later.

Queudrue appeared to pose little danger out on the left flank as he glanced inside before letting fly with an incredible 30-yard shot that fooled Lehmann.

Highbury was stunned. Fortunately for Wenger, however, Bergkamp was stunned into action.

Next stop Blackburn at home on Wednesday.

ARSENAL: Lehmann, Cole, Cygan, Toure, Lauren, Ljungberg (Pires 61), Fabregas Soler, Silva, Reyes (Flamini 78), Bergkamp, Henry.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Queudrue, Cooper, Riggott, Reiziger (Parnaby 74), Boateng, Parlour, Mendieta, Zenden (Nemeth 78), Hasselbaink, Job.

Referee: S Dunn (Gloucestershire).