Champions Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Tottenham in an exciting north London derby at White Hart Lane today.
Full-back Christian Ziege gave Tottenham a deserved early lead before Robert Pires equalised for the league leaders from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.
The result left Arsene Wenger's men a point clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.
The Gunners were lucky to go into the break all square as Tottenham dominated the first half, going ahead in the 11th minute.
Ray Parlour brought down Tottenham's Uruguayan star Gus Poyet. From 30 yards out Ziege let fly with a vicious free-kick that swerved sharply.
Goalkeeper David Seaman was late setting off and his dive came too late to prevent the ball arrowing into the net.
Encouraged, Tottenham pressed forward with Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane having a shot blocked inside the area before Arsenal and England full-back Ashley Cole headed Dean Richards' header off the line.
Cole produced another goal-line clearance on the half-hour mark when he headed Keane's shot away after Stephen Carr and Poyet had combined well.
But Arsenal did have chances of their own. Tottenham keeper Kasey Keller produced a fine diving save to turn away Thierry Henry's header from Freddie Ljungberg's cross.
However, in the dying seconds of the half, United States international Keller turned from hero to villain.
Henry was running away from goal, with two Tottenham defenders close by, when Keller inexplicably came charging off his line and brought the striker down after trying to collect the ball.
Referee Neale Barry was left with no option but to award a penalty and Pires, rather than usual spot-kick specialist Henry, made no mistake.
It was tough on Tottenham and they faced a revitalised Arsenal in the second period.
Henry, who scored a brilliant solo goal against Tottenham at Highbury, again left several defenders trailing in his wake as another 30-yard run took him into the box. But he was eventually crowded out before he could get his shot away.
But at the other end, a long through-ball left the Arsenal defence exposed and Keane one-on-one with Seaman. But the veteran keeper answered his critics to deny the Ireland hero from 18 yards out.
In an open match, both defences were being stretched. But it was Tottenham who had the best chance to win the match when unmarked former England striker Teddy Sheringham headed wide from Ziege's free-kick in the final minute of normal time.