Henry heads Arsenal to famous win

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LONDON, England -- Late goals from Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry with a dramatic late headed winner gave Arsenal a 2-1 victory over Premier League leaders Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United, who led through Wayne Rooney's 53rd minute header, looked to be heading for three points until Dutch international van Persie, who came on as a substitute, swept in a cross at the far post.

Deep into injury time Henry met an Emmanuel Eboue cross with a firm header to stun the visitors.

"A win against Manchester United is always special and it was special today," said Henry who was scoring his fourth goal in four games after returning from injury.

The result leaves United six points clear of champions Chelsea in the title race with Arsenal consolidating their fourth spot but 12 points adrift of United whose manager Alex Ferguson was left shaking his head after seeing the points snatched away from his side.

"I couldn't see anything that was going to disturb us," said Ferguson. "This is a big disappointment but if we get in a winning position again we won't be making the same mistake I promise you," he added.

Arsenal's victory celebrations were dampened by the later news that van Persie had broken the small toe in his right foot in scoring the equalizer. It was unclear how long he would be sidelined but it is a similar injury to that suffered by Rooney in the build up to last year's World Cup finals.

Stunning save

An insipid first half came to life in the closing moments as Rooney was denied by Jens Lehmann who made a stunning one handed save from his 20 meter volley.

From the resulting corner Henrik Larsson saw his header pushed away by the German international.

Arsenal had created few chances but Thierry Henry spurned a headed opportunity from an inviting cross by strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor.

The decisive breakthrough came just after the interval as Patrice Evra overlapped down the left and his slightly deflected cross was met firmly by England star Rooney.

Arsenal slowly regained their composure and came close in a goalmouth scramble which left United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar dazed.

Soon afterwards van Persie popped up to get in front of Gary Neville after Henry had cleverly dummied a Cesc Fabregas cross and rifle a first time effort home into the roof of the net.

Then came Henry's winner which at least gives Chelsea a championship lifeline after their 2-0 defeat at third-placed Liverpool on Saturday and revives Arsenal's own title bid.

"It was a test of character, resilience and togetherness," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

In Sunday's other match, Everton beat Wigan 2-0 with two goals from Mikel Arteta, but lost England striker Andrew Johnson with a suspected broken ankle.

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