By Phil McNulty Chief football writer

Ferguson celebrates Giggs' goal Photos from Highbury

Sir Alex Ferguson's march towards Manchester United's fans smacked of the triumphalist gesture he so despises in title rivals Arsenal.

With every step he took towards Highbury's old Clock End at the final whistle, it looked like Ferguson believed his side had taken a giant stride towards regaining their Premiership title.

Only time will tell whether this was simply another psychological ploy from the master of the mind games after the 2-2 draw.

Match report: Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd

But Ferguson was swift to let the world know very publicly who he felt should be happier with events in the championship showdown.

In fact he was so pleased he even shook hands and congratulated referee Mark Halsey - and that means he is very pleased indeed.

The draw left the title race delicately balanced, but Ferguson's body language spoke of a man who felt it was advantage Old Trafford.

And yet in many ways, this was an opportunity missed for Manchester United, particularly after an imperious first half which gave them a one-goal lead they might have trebled in that opening 45 minutes.

Arsenal played like a team who had lost their magic touch, particularly in an opening 45 minutes in which Manchester United posed all the serious questions.

Highbury player ratings

The Gunners' famed resilience ground out goals and a point, but Ferguson's exuberance was helped by renewed injury clouds growing over Patrick Vieira and the suspension now facing key Arsenal defender Sol Campbell.

But there was no ambiguity about one statement Ferguson made - which was that he expects the title race to go right to the wire.

Wenger was left frustrated

United fully deserved their point, and were deserted by good fortune, with Thierry Henry's first goal coming courtesy of a deflection and his second coming from a position that was clearly offside.

This was a more measured Manchester United from the team that tried and failed to kick Arsenal out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, in contrast, looked frustrated in a manner that suggested he would prefer the points on the board to the crucial game in hand.

And rarely has Wenger looked more animated or disgusted than when he went into a rare bout of touchline histrionics after Arsenal allowed Manchester United to equalise within seconds of going ahead.

The title picture may come more sharply into focus after football's traditional Easter sort out.

Arsenal are away to Middlesbrough and Bolton while Manchester United face Blackburn at Old Trafford before resuming Champions League combat against Real Madrid.

Ferguson finished an eventful encounter at Highbury with an imperious spring in his step - and with the air of a man who feels his players can now win the sprint finish to the title finishing tape.