Thierry Henry put Arsenal in front with a deft lob mid-way through the first half, but a venomous strike from Joseph-Desire Job drew Middlesbrough level just before half time.

The Highbury ground were then stunned into silence as first Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and then Frank Quedrue unleashed stunning drives to put 'Boro into a commanding 3-1 lead.

Arsenal looked to be heading for a shock defeat at the hands of Steve McClaren’s men, but three goals in 11 minutes from Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes saw them edge back in front.

Thierry Henry scored his second goal of the match at the death to seal a memorable comeback.

Arsenal now need to avoid defeat in their game at home to Blackburn on Wednesday night to hold the record outright.