Emile Heskey's injury-time equaliser gave Liverpool an unlikely draw against impressive Arsenal at Anfield.

Arsenal looked on course to stretch their Premiership lead to eight points after delivering a virtuoso attacking display.

Robert Pires gave them an early lead - and Dennis Bergkamp restored their advantage after John Arne Riise's second-half equaliser.

But Heskey gave Liverpool a point in the dying moments after a hotly-contested corner that left Gunners boss Arsene Wenger fuming.

Key moments

8 mins: Robert Pires puts Arsenal ahead 51 mins: John Arne Riise levels for Liverpool 63 mins: Dennis Bergkamp restores Arsenal's lead 90 mins: Emile Heskey snatches a point for Liverpool

Arsenal were left desperately disappointed after dominating in style for long periods - but were left to rue missed chancess.

Liverpool started the brighter - and Michael Owen wasted a great chance from close range, before Arsenal struck in ruthless fashion in the eighth minute.

My players have told me it was never a corner before their equaliser Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Bergkamp's immaculate pass released Thierry Henry, and despite the recalled Jerzy Dudek's brave save, the loose ball fell invitingly for Pires to score.

It was the signal for an Henry-inspired purple patch for the champions that should have put the game out of Liverpool's sight.

Henry was twice denied by Dudek, then shot into the side-netting after rounding the Liverpool keeper.

Robert Pires scores for Arsenal

Patrick Vieira had a header ruled out for a push on Sami Hyypia, while Bruno Cheyrou scrambled Pascal Cygan's header off the line with Dudek beaten.

Liverpool were still very much in contention, and it was only Owen's wayward finishing that stopped them restoring equality.

We showed great character and deserved a point Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier

He battled his way into the penalty area, only to see David Seaman block with his legs.

But Owen wasted a glorious opportunity seven minutes before the interval.

Sol Campbell's error left him clear on goal, but he fired another tame effort straight at Seaman.

Liverpool emerged for the second half in defiant mood and were level in spectacular style after 51 minutes.

Riise had been halted by Seaman seconds earlier, but the England goalkeeper had no answer to a 20-yard blockbuster that flew in from the edge of the area after good work by Heskey.

Thierry Henry rounds Dudek but misses

Liverpool's lead was short-lived as Arsenal restored their advantage with a large slice of good fortune after 62 minutes.

Bergkamp's shot from 18 yards looked destined for Dudek until a wicked deflection off Stephane Henchoz deceived the Poland international.

Henry was in devastating mood, and it needed another fine block from Dudek to stop a close range Henry drive after more inventive work by Bergkamp.

Arsenal were playing with renewed zest, and it was only another outstanding save from Dudek that blocked a 25-yard drive from Gilberto.

But Liverpool snatched a point as the game entered injury time, Heskey heading home powerfully from Salif Diao's cross.

Liverpool: Dudek, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Diouf (Baros 82), Murphy (Diao 80), Gerrard, Cheyrou (Smicer 69), Heskey, Owen. Subs Not Used: Arphexad, Traore.

Booked: Diouf.

Arsenal: Seaman, Lauren, Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Parlour, Vieira, Silva, Pires, Bergkamp (Luzhny 86), Henry. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Jeffers, Wiltord, van Bronckhorst.

Booked: Cygan.

Attendance: 43,668.

Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).