Cole apologises to Wenger for another red-mist day

Leicester City 1 Arsenal 1

Perplexingly, inexcusably, damnably, Arsène Wenger's men succeeded in invoking football from the heavens and then condemned themselves once again with the work of the devil, this time in the guise of their England defender Ashley Cole. More darkness for Arsenal, just when we really thought they had seen the light after the events at Old Trafford had culminated in suspensions totalling nine games for Wenger's players.

In a second half which could not have contrasted more vividly with a depressing first, Gilberto Silva's fourth League goal of the season, the conclusion of a breathtakingly incisive move emanating from goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, epitomised all that is best in the Gunners' counter-attacking prowess. And this on an afternoon when they had no Thierry Henry to terrorise the home rearguard.

Then Cole conspired to destroy a fine afternoon's labours when he became the recipient of the 53th red card of Wenger's stewardship with an ugly, and unacceptable, two-footed challenge on the defender Ben Thatcher 20 minutes from time. Why he did so, with the ball in no-man's land, in what is alien right-flank territory for him, only he will know. His manager did not profess to either, although ­ wonder of wonders ­ Wenger did concede later that he had observed the misdemeanour. "It looked like Ashley wanted to get the ball but it was a two-footed tackle that was too high. It was a red card and we have to accept it," agreed Wenger. "He will miss three matches now and that can be costly, but we have handled that before and we will deal with it again."

Even then, the visitors looked as though they would comfortably see out time and claim a merited victory which would have hoisted them back to the Premiership pinnacle ­ until the substitute Craig Hignett equalised deep in added time.

Afterwards, in what appeared a swift damage-limitation exercise by the club, Cole declared his regret: "The tackle was in the heat of the moment. I did not go over the ball and I did not mean to hurt Ben Thatcher. Having said that, however, I did deserve to be sent off and I have apologised to my team-mates and to the boss."

Wenger's counterpart, Micky Adams, will have harboured relief that Henry ­ still "a big question mark" for Wednesday's final group-phase Champions' League game against Lokomotiv Moscow ­ and the club captain Patrick Vieira had not travelled, the former with a knee problem, the latter "rested" having only just recovered from injury. When one Frenchman is down, Wenger simply summons another. Henry's absence provided the opportunity for his countryman Jeremie Aliadière to make his first Premiership start.

Leicester, who had secured 10 points from the last 12, having lost the previous five games, were denied the midfield influence of Muzzy Izzet, who was suspended, but lacked nothing in desire in that area.

Early on, the wind gusting around the stadium was no friend of Arsenal's precise passing game. Nor was the robust tackling of the home side, which rattled their midfield. The visitors' defence had to survive a header from Jamie Scowcroft which just eluded the far post. Les Ferdinand and Davidson also went close.

Just before the break, the referee, Rob Styles, had to defuse a spat between Freddie Ljungberg and Thatcher after the Leicester defender had appeared to stamp on the Swede's hand. But that was a rare moment when the temperature was raised in a subdued first period.

After the interval, Gilberto examined Ian Walker with a 20-yard drive which the former Spurs goalkeeper clawed to safety. Then Marcus Bent went down in the area under the challenge of Sol Campbell, but Mr Styles rightly rejected penalty appeals. Within seconds, a clash between Lehmann and Ferdinand in the Arsenal goalmouth culminated in a caution for both.

Just before the hour, a clearance from Lehmann down the left was turned on by Robert Pires for Dennis Bergkamp, who got the better of Thatcher. The Dutchman's cross was perfection and, Gilberto having made ground into the middle of the goal, headed home powerfully. Minutes later the Brazilian was close to another, but his well-struck volley hit the far post.

Then that rush of blood from Cole that so bedevils Arsenal's progress. The red card quickly brandished by Mr Styles brooked no argument. Not that it inhibited several of Cole's team-mates, as they jostled with their Leicester counterparts.

Still, it was Arsenal who appeared more likely to extend their lead. But when they were seemingly home and back on top of the Premiership, Andrew Impey's long ball forward was touched on by Scowcroft for Hignett to force home. Delirium ensued among the home players and followers. At the final whistle, Wenger was furious with Kolo Touré for being out of position for the goal. Maybe he was, but this was an afternoon after which other members of his side must look at themselves closely again.

Leicester City 1
Hignett 90

Arsenal 1
Gilberto Silva 60

Half-time: 0-0 Attendance: 32,108