Lauren: Edman elbow an accident

Arsenal defender Lauren said today he did not deliberately elbow Tottenham's Erik Edman in last night's game at Highbury.

Lauren faces possible action from the Football Association, who could decide to review the incident after referee Mike Riley missed it during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over their north London rivals.

The win means Chelsea must wait to be crowned Premiership champions. They can clinch the title at Bolton on Saturday.

Edman and Lauren tussled near the touchline during the second half and Edman collapsed to the ground. He was holding his head and got up to point an accusing finger at Lauren.

But despite picture evidence that would suggest otherwise, Lauren said: "It was just a normal challenge. Both players went for the same ball and it was a fair challenge, the kind that happens in every game. It is nothing more than that. There was nothing sinister in it. We both went for the same ball and we tried to push each other. It was accidental. There was nothing intentional from me."

The FA may feel obliged to review the incident following the uproar that followed the alleged elbow used by Blackburn defender Andy Todd against Arsenal's Robin van Persie in the FA Cup semi-final at Cardiff 10 days ago.