We didn't have to wait for too long as Gerrard broke the deadlock in the seventh minute from a well-placed free kick from the edge of the box.

Rafael Benitez's men seemed off to a total domination but sooner Arsenal were able to regain composure and threaten the hosts' nets.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky made efforts forcing keeper Jose Reina to some tough stretches while Emmanuel Eboue's shot was denied by the post.

In the 80th minute Fabregas leveled the score as he was sent clear on goal, breaking the offside trap, and toe-poked the Reds keeper.

He was close to becoming a hero but he hit the post a few minutes later to end the game on a 1-1 draw.

Both sides have maintained their unbeaten run but Arsenal climbed to the top with 26 points, just like Manchester United, but they have a better goal difference and a game in hand.

Samba stuns Spurs

Despite the recent manager trade-in which saw Juande Ramos replace sacked Dutchman Martin Jol, Tottenham Hotspur fell to a dramatic 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Defender Christopher Samba netted a 90th minute winner to hand Spurs their sixth defeat this term.

Robbie Keane's 49th minute penalty was cancelled out by Benedict McCarthy on the hour mark.

The defeat left Tottenham third from bottom with seven points, while Rovers have jumped to fifth place on 21 points, just five adrift of leaders Arsenal.