Defiant Wenger draws comfort

As PSV have already qualified with 10 points, Arsene Wenger floated the idea that they may field a weakened team against the Greeks. But PSV coach Guus Hiddink said: "There's no chance of that. We want to win in Greece because there are advantages in finishing top of the group." After the inconsistencies Arsenal have displayed in Europe this season Wenger will take no chances against Rosenborg. "It's in our hands, it's at Highbury and I'm confident," said the Arsenal manager.

"I don't expect any favours from PSV. If we don't beat Rosenborg we can't complain about anything."

Arsenal drew 1-1 in Norway in September, when they were flying high. They have hit some turbulence recently but, even so, should have the firepower to join PSV in the last 16.

They had the chances to have won last night until Lauren, and then Vieira, were sent for early baths having both received two cautions.

Lauren's first booking, in the 48th minute, was for suggesting to the referee that he show a yellow card to Johann Vogel. How he must have regretted that moment of mischiefmaking when the German referee Herbert Fandel flourished a second yellow for a reckless tackle in the 65th minute. Vieira was first booked for a tackle on Mark van Bommel in the 33rd minute and, as captain, should have known better than to make a challenge from behind on Ji-Sung Park in the 78th minute.

"When we were reduced to 10 men I think that Patrick felt as captain that he had to fight harder to win the ball," said Wenger. "That's the way he is. As a team we were committed but you can't say that we kicked people or tried to spoil the game.

"Had we kept 11 players on the field I think we might have won, but the referee decided otherwise.

"We got punished and we accept that. The only thing I would say was that he was more lenient to Van Bommel than anyone else."

It's hard to dispute Wenger's claim. The PSV midfielder, closely monitored by Premiership clubs for the last two or three years, committed more fouls - seven - than any other player on the field.

He was easily PSV's most influential player and, as their dead-ball specialist, provided the corner kick from which Andre Ooijer once again exposed Arsenal's current defensive frailties.

Even with Sol Campbell back in the heart of the defence Arsenal had no answer to the corner Van Bommel whipped in to the near post after just eight minutes. Ooijer muscled his way through a throng of Arsenal defenders to meet the ball with an unchallenged header at the near post. "I thought that defensively we were quite stable but conceding a goal the first time we defended a setpiece was a bad way to start," said Wenger. "After that I thought we created more chances than PSV."

Henry squandered a chance when he shot into the side netting in the 21st minute but he made amends 10 minutes later when Arsenal sliced through the PSV defence with an attacking move of typical pace and precision.

The French striker exchanged passes with the energetic Freddie Ljungberg before placing his low shot beyond the dive of Heurelho Gomes - only the second goal conceded by PSV in 13 matches.

In the second-half Jose Reyes, so disappointing that he was finally replaced by Robin van Persie, hit a tremendous drive that Heurelho saved. He dropped the ball at the feet of Ljungberg, but the Swede's attempt to follow up was wasted.

He then saved again from Henry and, in the 74th minute, did well to block Ljungberg's volley from Henry's cross.

But, reduced to nine men for the final 12 minutes, Arsenal had little choice but to hang on. Alex missed two chances and Jens Lehmann made a good diving save from Park.

This was Arsenal's fourth draw in the Champions League this season but none has been as hard fought as this one.

"I was delighted with the spirit of the players and even when we were down to nine we kept battling," said Wenger.