Flamini’s own goal robs Arsenal of victory

LONDON: Arsenal, fresh from the humiliation of being thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea in manager Arsene Wenger´s 1,000th game in charge last weekend, were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Swansea at the Emirates Stadium.

Wilfried Bony headed in Neil Taylor´s cross to give the Swans an 11th minute lead in north London.But two goals in as many many minutes midway through the second half turned the match on its head.

Kieran Gibbs, cleared to play after being incorrectly sent off in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Chelsea, provided the cross from which Lukas Podolski´s volley drew Arsenal level in the 73rd minute.

And from the kick-off the onrushing Podolski turned provider, his cross turned in by Olivier Giroud to the delight of the Arsenal faithful.

But there was a twist in the tale when, in the final minute of normal time, Leon Britton´s shot ricocheted off Wojciech Szczesny and rebounded off Mathieu Flamini for a comical own-goal equaliser. "It´s difficult to swallow because the team gave absolutely everything tonight, their spirit was great," Wenger said. (AFP)