London  - Arsenal suffered another blow to their title hopes when they could only draw 1-1 at Middlesbrough in Saturday's early English Premier League game.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed Arsenal in front on 17 minutes from a Cesc Fabregas corner but former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere scored against his old side on the half-hour mark, heading Tuncay Sanli's fizzing cross past Manuel Almunia.

Almunia saved well from Stewart Downing in the second half while substitute Nicklas Bendtner went close for Arsenal late on, but the two sides had to settle for a point.

Arsenal remain fourth, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, who were due to host Hull City later on Saturday.

Champions Manchester United, in third, were away to Tottenham Hotspur, while second-placed Chelsea play West Ham United on Sunday. (dpa)