Premier League: Fulham 2 Arsenal 2

Theo Walcott’s late equaliser spared Arsenal’s blushes as Arsene Wenger’s men twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against 10-man Fulham.

The England international’s ninth goal of the season bounced in off the post after a trademark mazey run in the 89th minute.

But it was not good enough to cement third spot in the Premier League table, with Manchester City’s win over Bolton enough for them to overtake Arsenal.

Fulham started brightly with Steve Sidwell side-footing the ball home in the 25th minute to put Mark Hughes’ side in front.

Bobby Zamora looked sharp and he did well to keep possession before setting up Sidwell, whose shot nut-megged Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Robin van Persie made it seven goals in his last eight games of the season when he drew Arsenal level just three minutes later; Abou Diaby rolling the ball for the Netherlands forward to slot home from the edge of the box.

Zamora – whose season was wrecked by a broken leg sustained in August – will head into next term with confidence after scoring in the final game.

His powerful header hit the net just before the hour mark following Jonathan Greening’s pinpoint cross – and looked to have secured all three points for the home side.

And Simon Davies should have made the game safe when he toe-poked wide from close range as Fulham continued to press – and leave gaps at the back.

Zoltan Gera was red-carded with 15 minutes left, giving Arsenal hope, and super-sub Walcott duly obliged, doing what he does best to ensure honours were even.

His weaving run from the right flank left the Fulham defenders dazed and confused, and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could only stand and watch as the ball drifted into the far corner.