BRAZILIAN midfielder Gilberto struck in stoppagetime to rescue a point for lacklustre Arsenal from their Premiership clash with Bolton at Highbury. Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan had looked to have secured all three points for the away side after an early goal but Arsenal pressed for long periods during the second half, and eventually beat Jussi Jaaskelainen when Gilberto swept the ball home from 12 yards.

Bolton had fashioned a decent chance inside the opening three minutes. Matt Jansen whipped in a cross from the left which found the advancing Kevin Nolan and it needed a good save from Jens Lehmann to prevent the visiting captain giving his side the lead. But it was no great surprise when the away did go in front after 12 minutes.

Philippe Senderos slid in to challenge Matt Jansen just outside the penalty area and the ball spun up, back across the 18-yard line. It fell kindly for Nolan, who executed a superb lob up and over Lehmann with the outside of his right foot.

Arsenal tried to immediately force the tempo but too often the choice of pass was poor when it mattered most.

Faye was then fortunate to be shown just a yellow card after going in two-footed for a 50-50 ball with Reyes. It was a low, but still illegal tackle which left the Spaniard writhing in agony, clutching his ankle - and soon to be carried off on a stretcher - as the match became physical.

Arsenal improved in the second half and there were chances for Pires and Fabregas to restore parity at least but the chances were not taken. However, there were five minutes of stoppage time - and Arsenal finally snatched an equaliser when Gilberto swept home Fabregas' cross from the right to the relief of the home fans who were contemplating yet another defeat.