Wenger: We came through a huge test of character

William Gallas provided the equaliser with a volley seconds from time which was pushed out by Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar.

At first referee Howard Webb did not give the goal but the assistant referee signalled the ball had crossed the line and television replays confirmed it was the correct decision.

A relieved Wenger said: "The referee interrupted the game and I thought he had given a free-kick against us for offside, so I had a surprise because the ball was in.

"It was fantastic for the linesman because he was on the wrong side. He saw it, I don't know how but when you see it on television the ball was in by a yard.

"I've not to thank him. He did his job well. I congratulate him but don't thank him. He did the job like you expect him to do it."

Wenger had seen his side go behind in injury time in a first half in which the football never quite matched the thunderous atmosphere when Cristiano Ronaldo crossed and Wayne Rooney's sidefoot effort clipped the arm of Gallas and ricocheted into the net.

The Gunners, however, came out after the interval in much livelier fashion and within two minutes Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas had slid home his 11th goal of the season.

It looked as if the points were heading north, however, when Ronaldo put United back in front with eight minutes to go after good work by Louis Saha and Patrice Evra.

But back came Arsenal, just as they had done last week against Liverpool. It was that refusal to accept defeat which saw United defending frantically in the last 10 minutes, which impressed Wenger most.

He said: "Our character was tested twice. We were down and came back against a very good Manchester United side. They looked as if they could always take advantage of any mistake we made.

"They have clinical players and they did that well but they didn't create a lot. Overall it was a fair result.

"In the first half we played with the handbrake on and in the second half had more freedom but we didn't find our flowing game completely. We had to rely on character and determination.

"We were tentative and too cautious. We played at the wrong pace and allowed United to control us quite well, sharpness-wise we were not at our best but character-wise we have shown plenty again.

"There is something special in this side which you don't see at first because it attracts you more with technical ability. There is some resilience and character which is well hidden."

The draw left Arsenal and United locked on 27 points at the top of the table but Ferguson's side have played a game more.

So are Arsenal still in charge?

Wenger added: "We are at the moment because we have a game in hand. How it will go I don't know.

"It depends how much Chelsea and Liverpool will come back into the race. At Christmas you will know more because it looks as if Chelsea have found a consistency."

He did concede, however, that he had expected more from than two points from his side's last two league games.

He said: "It is a disappointment because I thought we could make four but it is satisfying to know that twice in two games we could come from behind and you have to be special to come from behind.

"We controlled them quite well but on the goals we were not at our best, but they are a side who look strong. They will be title contenders without a doubt."