Spurs in driving seat for fourth spot

Arsenal 1 Tottenham 1

The final north-London derby at Highbury had it all – passion, controversy, a sending off. But ultimately not the result Arsenal wanted as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham.

Robbie Keane had put the visitors ahead just after the hour with a close-range strike, scored when the Gunners had a man down injured.

But with six minutes left, Arsenal captain Thierry Henry, who had started on the bench, produced a brilliant finish to level the match.

Arsenal pressed for a winner, as Spurs were reduced to 10 men when Edgar Davids received a second booking.

But it was the visitors who held on for what could prove a crucial point in the race for fourth spot in the Premiership – and with it qualification for the Champions League.

As manager Wenger kept one eye on Tuesday night’s European Cup semi-final second leg against Villarreal, it was no surprise to see several key men start on the bench.

Understandably, however, there was an electric atmosphere as a sun-baked Highbury played host to the 151st meeting between the sides, and the last one at this famous old venue.

After what was a cagey opening, the first decent chance finally arrived after 13 minutes, and it fell to Spurs.

Lee Young-Pyo got clear down the left flank, and whipped the ball over. Teemu Tainio’s header was on target, but was not powerful enough to trouble Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann.

Then at the other end, Robin Van Persie’s free-kick from the right was flashed across the face of goal by Gilberto.

Keane and Aaron Lennon combined on the edge of the Arsenal area to send the young Spurs winger in down the right.

His low, angled drive flew wide of the far post.

After 25 minutes, Michael Carrick’s clever chip into the six-yard box was controlled expertly by Defoe on his chest, with Lehmann making a fine reaction block.

Arsenal finally got their trademark slick passing together when Jose Antonio Reyes released Van Persie between Michael Dawson and Gardner.

The Dutch striker drilled a low, first-time effort on target from 16 yards, which Paul Robinson collected comfortably.

There was, however, a big let-off for Arsenal in stoppage time.

Carrick cut in from the left and skipped his way past several red shirts before darting into the box and drawing Lehmann.

However, the Spurs midfielder was pushed too wide and struck the side-netting with his angled shot.

It was again a positive opening by Spurs to the second half.

Lennon’s cross from the right almost found Davids in the six-yard box, a strong header from Johan Djourou keeping the Dutch midfielder out.

Gilberto and Van Persie combined to give the Dutchman a shooting chance in the box, with his low drive flashing right across Robinson’s goal.

The loudest cheer of the afternoon came when Henry stripped off on the touchline, ready for a much-needed introduction as the final 30 minutes approached.

Arsenal then had a golden chance to take the lead.

Gilberto’s timely pass sent Van Persie dashing clear into the area. The ball was travelling at pace, however. Robinson was quick off his line, which rushed the striker into a shot, and his effort dropped just wide of the right-hand post.

It proved to be the Dutchman’s final action of the day, Henry replacing him and Cesc Fabregas also coming on, for Abou Diaby, with 28 minutes to go.

However, the game erupted into controversy on 65 minutes.

Emmanuel Eboue and Gilberto were involved in an accidental clash on the half-way line, which left the Arsenal defender on the floor.

Spurs, however, played on, as Davids sped clear down the right, before crossing to the far post when Keane slotted home.

The travelling fans were sent into delirium – but both Robert Pires and then Lehmann angrily confronted the Dutch international for his perceived lack of sportsmanship.

The goal stood, however, and with tempers on edge, Pires went into the referee’s book for a needless late challenge from behind on Defoe.

The tense atmosphere was even getting through to the directors’ box, where Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman had to ask for decorum to be restored as the home fans in the surrounding area were left less than impressed with some of the goings-on.

Arsenal were level with six minutes to go.

Adebayor won possession off Paul Stalteri on the left flank, and carried the ball forwards before releasing Henry, whose dispatched a brilliant effort with the outside of his boot into the far corner.

The Gunners skipper ran the length of the pitch to celebrate as Highbury erupted.

Tottenham were then reduced to 10 men when Davids, who had already been cautioned, went in hard on Fabregas and left referee Steve Bennett with little option but to produce a red card.

Arsenal pressed for a winner, but Spurs held on for what could prove a crucial point in the race for fourth spot.