Despite a battling performance Town fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at Highbury. Both sides hit the woodwork a couple of times, but Freddie Ljungberg was the only man able to do better and put the ball over the line.

George Burley lined-up an unusual side with Titus Bramble at right-back, Jamie Clapham at left-back and Hermann Hreidarsson in the centre with John McGreal. Martijn Reuser returned on the left of midfield with Finidi George on the right. Tommy Miller played alongside Matt Holland in the middle with Marcuses Bent and Stewart in attack.

Arsenal started the game the brighter of the two sides, but were largely kept to efforts from distance hit wide of goal. Thierry Henry was particularly guilty with a shot well wide when played through down the middle on 17. Three minutes later he hit an effort which struck the bar and went over. Referee Alan Wiley oddly gave a corner, neither the first nor the last time he'd give a similar decision against Town.

As the half moved along Town began to get themselves more into the game and in the 24th minute Titus Bramble almost played in Marcus Bent, but Martin Keown cut his pass out.

Tommy Miller put in a sharp cross on 31 but Stewart's header was easy for David Seaman.

Henry curled the ball wide of Andy Marshall's post on 38, but Marshall was never really in trouble and there was a suspicion of handball earlier in the move.

On 40 Finidi George, who had given Ashley Cole a tricky time on a few occasions during the half, took him on down the right. He burst into the area and sent in a deep well-hit cross to Reuser who headed firmly on to the post. The Dutchman had done everything right except hit the target and Seaman would certainly have been beaten.

Arsenal hit the woodwork a minute later. Martin Keown headed a corner against the post with Martijn Reuser leaping on the line. Despite the lack of a Town touch referee Wiley again gave a corner much to the annoyance of the Town players and fans.

Referee Wiley had his book out for the only time when Lauren pulled Marcus Stewart back inside the centre circle. The Cameroonian compounded the offence by arguing with the official and preventing Town from taking the freekick quickly. The kick was moved ten yards further forward.

With the half in injury time Tony Adams took offence to something Jamie Clapham had done as they went up for a corner. The former England skipper pushed Clapham in the chest and referee Wiley called the both over for a chat, but no cards were shown.

Town had done well during the first period and were applauded off by the Blues' supporters, hopeful of a vital point or three.

Arsenal though had other ideas and quickly went at Town as the second half began. Vieira had a header saved within two minutes of the restart and a swiftly afterwards Arsenal thought they were ahead. Bergkamp hit a curler from 25 yards which hit the inside of Andy Marshall's left post and went across the face of goal, and fortunately for Town, away from goal.

On 50 George Burley decided that he should make a change. Finidi George, who had his moments in the first half mainly against Ashley Cole, came off looking injured. On came Sixto Peralta to a rapturous reception from the Blues' fans.

Town had their best chance of the second half on 53 when Marcus Bent brought the ball forward and played in Marcus Stewart. Town's number 11 looked to have a chance but he and Tony Adams tangled and fell to the ground and David Seaman picked the ball up with little trouble. There were a few calls for a penalty from the crowd but none on the pitch.

On 56 Tommy Miller was harshly adjudged to have fouled Freddie Ljungberg just outside the Town area. Edu hit the freekick off the wall and over.

Marcus Bent had his best opportunity of the half on 64 when Marcus Stewart sent in a fine cross from the right after excellent work from Sixto Peralta. Bent headed over when it looked a very good chance.

Arsenal were having much the best of it and on 66 Tony Adams had a header cleared off the line and Ray Parlour had a shot deflected over. But a goal wasn't far away and came as a result of the corner.

Town cleared the ball towards the left, but a cross came back into the box to Ljungberg. The Swede turned and shot in one movement and beat Marshall with a low effort to his right.

Ten minutes later it was all over and Ljungberg had his second of the afternoon. He was left unmarked as a cross was whipped in from the right and hit the ball goalwards. Marshall pulled off a save but failed to keep hold of the ball and Ljungberg put the rebound home.

After that Town only really looked threatening when Martijn Reuser hit a curling 25-yard shot which David Seaman turned on to the post and off. Again Alan Wiley was unwilling to give Town the decision until his linesman pointed out his error.

With five minutes remaining Darren Ambrose was given a full debut as he replaced Martijn Reuser. Alun Armstrong came on for Marcus Bent.

A disappointing result, although by no means the woeful performance we witnessed at Bolton two weeks ago. While Arsenal deserved the points, the Blues were hardly taken apart, and particularly in the first half had their moments.

Five points behind Sunderland and one game in hand. Town need three points against Middlesbrough on Wednesday to stand any chance of digging themselves out of their relegation hole.

Photo: Action Images

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