London, Sept 02: Ivory Coast International Kolo Toure's first English premiership goal ensured a point for 10-man arsenal as the reigning champions drew 1-1 with London rivals Chelsea in an ill-tempered encounter here at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Arsenal rallied after Captain Patrick Vieira was sent-off for a second bookable offence four minutes into the second half.

Earlier, England keeper David Seaman endured another moment of free-kick misery when Gianfranco Zola's long-range effort gave Chelsea the lead 11 minutes before half-time. The result stretched arsenal's unbeaten league run to 25 games but meant they were still second in the table, two points behind arch north-London rivals Tottenham.

Afterwards Viera pleaded with referee Andy D'urso to change his mind. "It is always difficult for the referee with the crowd and players. But, thinking about myself, two yellow cards was wrong," France star Vieira told sky sports. The station also reported that D'urso was willing to look at video evidence.

However, referees have to be asked by the football association to review their decisions before players' can hope to have bookings and consequent suspensions erased from their records.

Bureau Report