Henry is congratulated by his Arsenal team mates
Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was dismissed for violent conduct as Chelsea were held at home by Arsenal.
Thierry Henry showed his predatory instincts to put the Gunners ahead before Hasselbaink hauled Chelsea back into the match with a 31st-minute penalty.
Hasselbaink's goalscoring heroics were put in the shade in the second half when the former Leeds striker saw red after elbowing Martin Keown in the face.
It was a huge game for both pony-tailed Princes Emmanuel Petit and David Seaman.
Arsenal started this breathless encounter marginally the brighter, with Henry testing Ed de Goey from long-range in his first foray into Chelsea territory.
Claudio Ranieri's side soon exploded into life with the lively Hasselbaink's free-kick charged down after Zola was brought down 30 yards from goal.
The Dutch striker, who had a penalty appeal waved away with 14 minutes played, was then sent clear by Zola but his fizzing shot from an acute angle was acrobatically tipped over by Seaman.
But, against the run of play, Arsenal made the crucial breakthrough on 17 minutes with a well-taken goal from Henry.
Pires weaved his way into the area before his bullet shot was parried by de Goey.
The ball fell to the feet of master predator, Henry and, with de Goey out of position, the Frenchman slotted home to give his side the lead.
The veteran forward tricked his way into the area before being brought down by Keown and Hasselbaink gave Seaman no chance with the penalty.
Dennis Bergkamp and John Terry both had a great chances to put their sides in front in the dying moments of the first half but neither could convert.
Arsenal began to take control of proceedings in the second half with Wiltord's low drive well saved by de Goey and Cole unable to beat the giant keeper after a neat one-two.
Chelsea's woes were further compounded when Hasselbaink was dismissed on 70 minutes after he was adjudged to have elbowed Keown.
But, despite some brilliant attacking football, neither side could find a winner.
Chelsea: de Goey, Desailly, Gallas, Terry, Le Saux, Lampard, Petit, Zenden, Gronkjaer, Hasselbaink, Zola. Subs: Jokanovic, Stanic, Melchiot, Gudjohnsen, Bosnich.
Arsenal: Seaman, Cole, Keown, Adams, Grimandi, Lauren, van Bronckhorst, Pires, Henry, Wiltord, Bergkamp. Subs: Ljungberg, Inamoto, Campbell, Wright, Kanu.
Referee: M Riley (Leeds).