ARSENAL came from 2-0 down against Portsmouth to earn another Barclays Premiership draw at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. Noe Pamarot's header and a stunning effort from Matthew Taylor a minute either side of half-time put Pompey in control. However, Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench and pulled a goal back before Gilberto equalised as the Gunners struck twice quickly themselves.

Sol Campbell was one of two old Gunners in the visitors' starting XI, alongside striker Kanu, while former captain Tony Adams took his place on the Pompey bench as assistant manager. Arsenal youngster Jeremie Aliadiere was handed his first league start in attack, while Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott dropped to the bench from the midweek win at Wigan.

Arsenal started brightly and almost snatched an early lead. Following good work from Alexander Hleb down the right, Emmanuel Eboue's centre picked out Robin van Persie in the six-yard box. The Dutchman's downward header looked to be going in . . . only for a wrong-footed David James to stick out a boot and make a brilliant reaction save.

On seven minutes, the home side were forced into a change when Freddie Ljungberg hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring problem following an awkward fall and was replaced by Walcott.

Arsenal were dominating, with Walcott proving a handful. He dashed into the right side of the area before drilling a low ball across goal, which James deflected clear. On 23 minutes, the Pompey keeper pulled off a fine double save.

First he beat away Fabregas' 25-yard drive, and then got up quickly to block Van Persie's follow-up at the far post.

As the half-hour mark passed, Pompey finally enjoyed a decent spell of possession. However, the visitors failed to make the most of some promising build-up play and several corners.

As the first half drew to a close neither team were able to keep possession for any prolonged spell. Eboue was also fortunate to get away with just a stern talking to from referee Bennett after he went in late, studs up, on Pedro Mendes right in front of the Pompey bench.

But in stoppage time, the visitors took the lead. A deep free-kick from the left from Taylor was flicked on by David Thompson. The ball came back of the inside of the post and Pamarot was on hand to lash into an empty net.

No sooner had Arsene Wenger sent his side out for the second half than they were 2-0 down. The Arsenal defence failed to clear their lines and the loose ball dropped to Taylor on the edge of the penalty area, who sent an exquisite left-foot strike back up over Jens Lehmann and into the far corner.

The home side immediately upped the tempo in an attempt to get back into the match and avoid slipping to what would be a first defeat at the Emirates. With inspirational captain Thierry Henry watching from the stands because of a hamstring problem, any inspiration would have to come from another source.

And with 35 minutes left Wenger turned to Adebayor . . .

who had netted the winner at Wigan in midweek . . . as the big Togo striker replaced Aliadiere. It was not long before that proved to be an inspired substitution. Walcott got away down the right to send over a teasing low cross and Adebayor timed his run to perfection, arriving on queue at the penalty spot to lash the ball first-time past James on 58 minutes.

Before Pompey had time to regroup it was 2-2. Centreback Kolo Toure charged forward to unleash a stinging 25-yard drive, which James could only parry. Adebayor was first to the rebound and cut the ball back across goal.

It was only partially cleared, which allowed Walcott to teeup skipper Gilberto, who drove the loose ball low into the bottom left corner from close range.

Arsenal continued to look dangerous and van Persie almost waltzed through the Portsmouth defence before stabbing a left-foot shot inches wide. Thompson was replaced by Niko Kranjcar with 18 minutes left.

Arsenal brought on Mathieu Flamini for Eboue, who looked to be carrying a knock, on 79 minutes. Arsenal continued to press with van Persie sending a free-kick over the bar, but could not find a winner.