Nicolas Anelka scored a minute from time to save the Gunners' blushes.

Simon Brotherton reports (BBC Radio 5 Live)

The Frenchman lashed a loose ball into the roof of the net to break the champions' goal drought.

It lifted the gloom over Highbury following Arsenal's midweek exit from the Champions' League.

A home goal had looked unlikely as Bryan Robson's men defended their early lead.

Deane puts Middlesborough ahead after six minutes

This came after six minutes - a fine midfield move involving Paul Gascoigne and Andy Townsend gave Dean Gordon the chance to cross from the left and Brian Deane scored from two yards.

It was the striker's second goal since his move from Benfica.

Deane then shot at David Seaman when poised to make it two.

Boro's Robbie Mustoe challenges Ray Parlour

Colombian Hamilton Ricard - with 12 goals in 14 games - also wasted a chance, taking too long and being tackled with the goal in his sights.

Arsenal lacked inspiration against the well-organised visitors, although Marc Overmas forced a smart save out of Mark Schwarzer.

The Gunners also lost full-back Nigel Winterburn with a first-half injury.

The Londoners started the second half purposefully, Fredrik Ljungberg testing Schwarzer.

Anelka pulls back for Arsenal

But they continued to find it tough to get behind the Boro defence. At the other end, Mikkel Beck could have sealed an away win but he glanced his header wide from Gordon's cross.

Arsenal: Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Bould, Ljungberg, Anelka, Overmars, Wreh, Keown, Parlour, Garde. Subs: Vivas, Manninger, Grimandi, Boa Morte, Caballero.