Other than the goal, Arsenal’s only attempt of note before the break came from William Gallas who appeared to be offside as Abou Diaby clipped a pass over the visitor’s defence. Howard did well to put Gallas off before Leighton Baines cleared acrobatically.

Typically so strong in the air, Cahill could have done better at the other end nine minutes before half-time when he opted to head Neville’s cross down into the six yard box instead of trying to beat Almunia at the near post. With no Blue shirts in sight, Bacary Sagna was able to clear.

Donovan and Neville linked up well three minutes later when, from a Baines freekick, the American knocked the ball into the skipper’s path whose attempted chip had Almunia back-peddling until it nestled in the roof of the net.

The conditions took a turn after the break as the snow began to swirl around the stadium. Still, the pace of the game didn’t alter with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity.

Donovan carved an opening for Everton five minutes in, only for Pienaar to arrive late at the back post.

Arsenal then grew in stature but, for all their possession, couldn’t find a way through a resilient Everton backline with Lucas Neill and Johnny Heitinga handling everything that was thrown at them.

Saha then saw a shot deflected out for a corner as the Blues burst forward on the counter.

Rosicky replaced Aaron Ramsey on 65 minutes and came close to putting Arsenal ahead moments later. Sagna’s cross from the right looked destined for the Czech playmaker’s head until Howard intervened to punch the ball away.

Everton retreated deeper now, perhaps looking to hold on to a point. That’s a dangerous ploy in these parts and Arsenal twice went close through Arshavin and then Eduardo, the second attempt requiring a timely block by Neville.

Playing on the counter-,a mazy run by Cahill down the left saw the Aussie midfielder cut inside and bear down on goal. With the away fans willing him to shoot, he pulled the ball back which saw Arsenal clear the danger.

Then came Pienaar’s touch of class that appeared to have won the game.

James Vaughan – on for Saha – could have put it beyond doubt with minutes to go but saw Almunia spread himself well to block his effort. It proved a costly miss.

Five minutes of injury time handed Arsenal a glimmer of hope and it was Rosicky who capitalised when he found space on the left to fire past Howard and deal Everton the cruellest of blows.