Wenger urges Gunners to raise their game

The Gunners missed the chance to put real pressure on leaders Chelsea, whose match was postponed, when they were forced to settle for a point after coming from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against Everton at Emirates Stadium through a stoppage-time goal from Tomas Rosicky.

Wenger accepts his team – without both impressive Cameroon midfielder Alex Song and injured captain Cesc Fabregas, who is expected to return from a hamstring problem at Bolton next weekend – did not produce the required standard in the face of a determined opposition.

However, after hauling themselves back into what looks set to be a thrilling conclusion to the title battle, with second-placed Manchester United also dropping points at Birmingham, the Arsenal manager expects more consistency.

"Of course, I would have signed for that, to be this close in the race," said Wenger, whose side were some 11 points adrift following the comprehensive 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea at the end of November.

"But you could see from this match that every game is difficult and as soon as you drop your level a little bit, you are in danger.

"That is what happened to us.

"We did not find the speed in our passing to get Everton out of position, and they did very well."

Arsenal had their momentum disrupted somewhat by the midweek postponement of the home clash against Bolton, and failed to find much rhythm in what was their first match since the departure of Song for the African Nations Cup.

Wenger, though, expects his squad to adapt.

"I knew before Song left that he would be missed," said the Gunners boss.

"However, I do not want to draw a quick conclusion because too many players were off the pace.

"We struggled for a while when we lost (Robin) van Persie as well, so we have to find a new balance, new responsibilities, and a share of responsibilities in our game."

Leon Osman headed the visitors into a deserved lead on 12 minutes. However, the midfielder then deflected Denilson's shot past Tim Howard as the Gunners levelled.

A magnificent breakaway goal by Steven Pienaar, finished with an audacious chip, looked to have won it for the visitors on 82 minutes, only for Rosicky to smash home from close range, his shot coming off defender Lucas Neill.

Prior to Rosicky's equaliser it could have been 3-1 when Everton pounced on a loose ball after Denilson fell to the ground clutching his side and released James Vaughan, but Manuel Almunia made a fine save.