Arsenal 1 Bendtner
Aston Villa 1 Senderos OG
Arsenal again failed to get the maximum points in the Premier League after a battling performance by a resilient Aston Villa side came within seconds of becoming the first team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates this season.
However, Nicklas Bendtner came to the home side's rescue with the equalising goal with what turned out to be the last kick of the match. Arsene Wenger's side was not at their best with Aston Villa winning more of the ball and created the better chances.
However, they would not have breached Manuel Almunia's goal if not for a deflection off defender Phillipe Senderos as he tried to block a Gabriel Agbonlahor's low pass from reaching its target.
It was a case of misfortune which seemed to begin haunting Arsenal since the last few weeks.
Almunia had to work hard. He prevented Arsenal from going further behind when he palmed a Shaun Maloney's pile-driver onto the post and later fielded a goal bound shot from Marlon Harewood as the visitors continued to employ their fast strikers to end the match for the home side.
Abou Diaby seemed a bit rusty and it was not really surprising to see him coming off on the hour mark. Bendtner came on in his place with Theo Walcott pushing out wide on the right and Alex Hleb changed to the opposite flank.
However, Arsenal still could not find their way around the Villa defence which was re-enforced by their whole line-up until the last minute of the match. Gael Clichy floated the ball from the left, and for the first time Manu Adebayor was able to get a clean header.
The ball fell to the big Danish youngster who made no mistake from a metre out to ensure Arsenal remain on top of the league, at least for now.
It was just about what they deserved.
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