Arsenal forced into FA Cup replay
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-20 14:40

Arsenal must replay its FA Cup game against Sheffield United after the Blades' Andy Gray scored a penalty in injury time to force a 1-1 tie Saturday in the fifth round of the competition.

Arsenal's Robert Pires celebrates his goal during their FA Cup match against Sheffield United at Highbury in London. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. [AFP]

Gray beat Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia from the penalty spot after defender Philippe Senderos was called for a handball. Substitute Robert Pires had put host Arsenal ahead in the 78th minute.

"After they scored, against a team like Arsenal you don't get many chances to come back," Gray said. "To come and do it at Highbury is a bit more special."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rested many of his regulars, hoping to keep them fresh for Tuesday's Champions League game at Bayern Munich.

Instead, the Gunners face a replay on March 1 in Sheffield, adding to an already crowded schedule. With Chelsea sure to win the English league title and the Champions League a long shot, the FA Cup is Arsenal's best chance for a trophy.

Arsenal played a man short from the 35th minute when striker Dennis Bergkamp was sent off on a questionable red card from referee Neale Barry.

Responding to the physical game played by United, Bergkamp shoved defender Danny Cullip several times, moments after Cullip blocked Bergkamp and pushed him from behind.

Defending champion Manchester United also won, beating Everton 2-0 on Wayne Rooney's return to Goodison Park. Quinton Fortune and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal each.

Man United goalkeeper Roy Carroll was struck in the head late in the game by a mobile phone thrown from the stands. Carroll winced in pain after being hit, but finished the game.

In other games, it was: Bolton 1, Fulham 0; Charlton 1, Leicester 2; and Southampton 2, Brentford 2.

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