Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal 2 Everton 2: Toffees denied by injury time Rosicky sickener
Darkness had fallen and an Arctic wind was screeching through the streets of north London when the visiting fans began their journey home to Merseyside.[LNB] One or two wereattempting to sing, but most were sullenly silent as they cursed whatmight have been. Their disappointment showed how far Everton have travelled these past few weeks.[LNB] In normal times, a point from the Emirates would represent riches.After all, they have lost in 13 of their past 14 visits to Arsenal, andtheir last win dates back to January 1996.[LNB] Last-gasp: Tomas Rosicky's shot deflects off Lucas Neill to level proceedings[LNB]Moyes was an agitated presence on the line, peering through the frenzied white curtain, inciting passion from his players. They responded like men, and their conviction grew with the game.[LNB] They might have taken a lead on nine minutes, when Louis Saha beat theoffside trap before driving the chance hopelessly high. [LNB]But success wasmerely deferred until the 13th minute. Landon Donovan, making athoroughly impressive debut and threateningto play a significant part in the next few months, drove in a corner.Leon Osman met the cross with a fine, strong header and Denilson, onthe line, could only help in the ball.[LNB] Arsenal's ambitions looked suddenly ill-founded. There were urgentinquests, angry recriminations. The game was ignoring its script. [LNB]But,on 28 minutes, they won unlikely equality. It was pure Arsenal;intricate passing creating space and demanding a definitive finish. It arrived in the form of a hopeful drive from Denilson, whichprocured a large diversion off poor Osman and defeated Tim Howard by adistance. [LNB][LNB] Sublime strike: Pienaar strikes to give Everton a deserved lead[LNB] [LNB]Despite the setback, Donovan's influence increased by the minute and asArsenal's closely controlled game became lost in the snow, Evertonlooked more likely to strike the next blow.[LNB]When it came, it was spectacular. Tim Cahill looked up inside his own half before releasing the pass intothe run of Pienaar. Another stride would have taken him over thehalfway line and rendered him offside, but he ran on alone andunchallenged. As Manuel Almunia advanced, the Everton forward deliveredthe most magical moment of the afternoon. Still at pace, he scooped hisfoot beneath the ball and released the most delicate of chips; a deftlittle sand wedge which floated through the snowy air and carried justenough momentum for a bobbly bounce across the line.[LNB] It was a thing of brave nerve and high skill, worthy of winning any match, any week. But not this one. Had James Vaughan demonstrated Pienaar's composure when allowed a similar chance two minutes later, Arsenal's hopes of equality wouldhave evaporated, but the substitute smashed his drive into the body ofAlmunia and the moment was gone.[LNB] 1-0: Arsenal's Denilson fails to stop Leon Osman's header[LNB]Both teams made further changes with 15 minutes left as Eduardo wasreplaced by Carlos Vela and Everton sent James Vaughan on for Saha.[LNB]Worse followed. Arsenal roused themselves for one last assault, oneattempt to revive their title challenge. The ball was worked throughseveral pairs of urgent feet before Abou Diaby stroked a square pass.Rosicky gathered, poked the outside of his right foot at the chance,and watched it rear off Lucas Neill and into the net.[LNB] Aerial battle: Tim Howard saves from William Gallas[LNB]Suddenly, Everton's journey home seemed longer and colder. It is truly a cruel game.[LNB]It can also be truly wonderful.[LNB] Angry Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's cold snap at winter weather chaosArsenal boss Arsene Wenger worried by striking void despite Bendtner returnARSENAL FC
