Date:23/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/23/stories/2006042305371700.htm

Sport - Football

Henry salvages a point for Arsenal

LONDON: Thierry Henry came off the bench and scored in the 84th minute to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw with Tottenham in their Premier League match in Highbury on Saturday. Henry, who was being rested for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal, scored 22 minutes after entering play.

Robbie Keane had put Tottenham ahead in the 66th and the team finished with 10 men after Edgar Davids was sent off in the 86th for a second bookable offence.

The draw leaves Spurs in fourth place — four points ahead of Arsenal — as the two clubs battle for the last Champions League spot. Arsenal could qualify by winning this season's Champions League, which would oust Spurs from the competition irrespective of their league positions.

Spurs start strongly

Tottenham dominated the first half with 60 per cent of the possession and three clear chances — two from Jermain Defoe as Spurs piled up the pressure on the home team.

Michael Carrick nearly put Spurs ahead in the final seconds of the first half, weaving through several defenders and after beating goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, shot into the side of the net.

Arsenal began to up the ante in the second half, and Dutch forward Robin van Persie had scoring chances in the 56th and 60th. The second chance was the best, with Van Persie breaking in alone, but chipping a ball just wide from 15 metres over goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

In the 62nd, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sent on Henry and Cesc Fabregas, but it was Tottenham who opened the scoring. Robbie Keane chipped the ball into an open net after Lehmann was pulled wide trying to defend a cross from Davids.

Goal sparks protests

Wenger and the home fans protested the goal, which came just seconds after midfielder Gilberto was knocked to the ground. Wenger stood chin-to-chin arguing with Spurs's manager Martin Jol, angry that Tottenham didn't stop play by kicking the ball out of play to let Gilberto get treatment.

The Brazilian got up straight after anyway and didn't appear hurt.

Four minutes later, Jose Antonio Reyes failed on a chance to equalise from close range.

Tottenham is shooting for its best finish since 1990 and, even if it fails to make the Champions League, is all but assured of a place in the second-tier UEFA Cup. Tottenham has two games remaining, at home against Bolton and away at West Ham. Arsenal plays away at Sunderland and Man City and closes against Wigan. — AP