Mugged at the Emirates: Aliadiere comes back to haunt Arsenal

Aliadiere, back after suspension for a sendingoff at Liverpool, scored just one Premier League goal for the Gunners in his seven years with the club. Now he has one against them having given Middlesbrough a crucial first-half lead yesterday that lasted until Kolo Toure prised a point for the Gunners with a late header.

'Jeremie was fired up,' said Boro manager Gareth Southgate. 'It was not too difficult a decision to put him back in. I knew how much it would mean to him and I'm chuffed he got a goal. He's really maturing into a class act.' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was less generous. He said: 'First of all, he's a good player but it was not a difficult goal to score.'

Wenger was unhappy that his side have now drawn four successive games since Eduardo was injured at Birmingham last month. He added: 'When you are in a race for the championship, it is disappointing to drop eight points in four games. We have to keep belief, spirit and focus for the next game against Chelsea.'

One of his players, Gael Clichy, suffered another nasty injury — a cut head after a high kick from Boro substitute Mido. But Wenger said: 'I don't think there was any intent there.' Southgate hopes referee Mark Halsey will review his decision to send him off.

'He had a strong game but I hope that when he looks at it again he will see that although Mido catches Clichy and it's a nasty cut, he is looking at the ball all the way,' he said.

The Boro boss was delighted that his side had recovered some confidence after their midweek 1-1 draw against Aston Villa and last Sunday's 2-0 FA Cup defeat by Cardiff.

He said: 'I've got to be proud of my players. They were a laughing stock in front of our fans last Sunday but today they have shown guts and character.'