Arsenal 1 Middlesbrough 1

7:20pm Saturday 15th March 2008

FOOTBALL can be a cruel game, as Middlesbrough have discovered on more than one occasion this season. But rarely can it have been any crueler than this.

Eighty-six minutes of incredible defensive work were undone by a failure to deal with one corner.

Cesc Fabregas centred, Kolo Toure headed, and despite the best efforts of both Andrew Taylor and Mark Schwarzer on the line, the ball found its way into the Middlesbrough net.

That George Boateng had been fouled as he conceded the corner merely added to Boro's sense of frustration. That Mido was then sent off for violent conduct despite kicking the ball before he made contact with Gael Clichy's head rubbed salt into the wounds.

Arsenal probably deserved a point given their plentiful possession throughout the 90 minutes, but the final result was harsh on Boro given their magnificent defensive efforts.

Mark Schwarzer was razor-sharp when needed, and Luke Young and Emanuel Pogatetz ensured that Arsenal's wingers were unable to make use of Adebayor's aerial ability.

David Wheater and Robert Huth were impenetrable in central defence, making countless blocks, tackles and interceptions as Arsenal pushed forward, and Boateng was back to his very best at the heart of midfield.

A point at the Emirates is not to be sniffed at, but Boro came close to gaining so much more.

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