Away goal puts Gunners on top

The Togo striker made it three in two games, and five in this European campaign, with a stunning scissor-kick after 66 minutes to cancel out an equally impressive opener from home captain Marcos Senna.

Arsene Wenger's side lost both goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre-back William Gallas to injury during the first half, but rallied to secure what could prove to be a decisive result to defend at Emirates Stadium next Wednesday night.

Villarreal have never lost at home in the Champions League and kept holders Manchester United to a goalless draw earlier this season, so it was no surprise the hosts settled quickly. There was a goal-mouth scramble following a corner when Gael Clichy cleared off the line and Almunia smothered the loose ball as defender Gonzalo Rodriguez looked to capitalise.

Villarreal then took the lead in stunning fashion after 10 minutes. The ball was worked down the right before being passed inside to Senna. The skipper took aim and drilled a wonderful 25-yard strike past Almunia into the top corner, setting El Madrigal alight.

Arsenal looked to respond immediately and forced a couple of corners. A smart turn and run by Theo Walcott fed Cesc Fabregas, who slipped Samir Nasri, replacing the cup-tied Andrey Arshavin, in on the left side of the area. The Frenchman's angled drive was pushed around the post by Diego Lopez.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 27 minutes when Almunia, who sustained an ankle injury in the early goal-line scramble, was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski. Gallas was then clattered into and had to be carried off on a stretcher for treatment, eventually being replaced by Johan Djourou.

As the hour mark approached, it was continuing to be a night of frustration for the Barclays Premier League side, who had been on a decent run of form heading into the game.

Walcott floated a ball in from the right, which Adebayor glanced wide. Then, out of nothing, the big striker struck a superb equaliser to stun the home crowd in the 66th minute.

There seemed little danger when Fabregas, who set up both Adebayor's goals against Manchester City on Saturday, lofted a high ball into the Villarreal penalty area. Even though surrounded by three markers and with his back to goal, Adebayor collected the ball on his chest before dispatching a brilliant scissor-kick into the far corner.