Bendtner rescues Arsenal point

A late Nicklas Bendtner goal was enough to keep Arsenal on top of the league this evening. Aston Villa were 1-0 up early on thanks to a Philippe Senderos own goal, and the Gunners looked like they were destined for only their second home defeat at the Emirates.

For much of the afternoon, Arsenal struggled against Villa and looked to be heading for their first home league defeat of the season.

Villa went ahead when Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos turned a Gabriel Agbonlahor shot into his own net after 27 minutes and were in control with some excellent football.

Aston Villa lost Nigel Reo-Coker and Curtis Davies through injury but looked to be holding on.

However, Arsenal kept pushing forward and were rewarded just before the end with Bendtner's close-range goal which was the last kick of the game.

Teams

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos (Denilson 78), Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini (Silva 78), Diaby (Bendtner 59), Adebayor, Walcott. Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte. Booked: Gallas. Goals: Bendtner 90.

Aston Villa: Carson, Gardner, Laursen, Davies (Osbourne 40), Bouma, Young, Reo-Coker (Knight 32), Barry, Maloney (Harewood 71), Carew, Agbonlahor. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Salifou. Booked: Barry, Osbourne. Goals: Senderos 27 og.