The Independent
Phillips keeps straight face to frustrate Arsenal
A freakish stoppage-time goal by Birmingham substitute Kevin Phillips – the 250th of the 36-year-old striker's career – denied Arsenal the seventh consecutive Premier League victory which a goal by another late entrant into a scrappy contest, Samir Nasri, appeared certain to secure.
The Guardian
Birmingham's Kevin Phillips leaves Arsenal's title hopes in balance
At the final whistle Arsène Wenger's face said it all. For the second time in three seasons a 90th-minute goal at St Andrew's has lost Arsenal two vital points and possibly the title. Wenger will surely curse the day Birmingham City ever returned to the Premier League after Alex McLeish's side once again inflicted an enormous dent in the Londoners' ambitions, bringing a run of seven consecutive wins in the league to an abrupt halt.
The Telegraph
Birmingham City 1 Arsenal 1
A sickening injury-time goal, two dropped points and further controversy over a dangerous tackle; for Arsenal, there was more than a sense of déjà vu on their return to Birmingham City.
And, although it would be impossible to endure a more distressing experience than their previous visit two years ago when Eduardo suffered a broken leg, the damage to Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge may prove equally severe.
The Times
Arsène Wenger lashes out after Cesc Fabregas is injured
Two years ago, Arsenal’s season unravelled in dramatic circumstances at St Andrew’s when Eduardo suffered a broken leg, they dropped two points in their ultimately unsuccessful challenge for the title and William Gallas, their captain, famously sulked with a massive Champions League game just around the corner. The Arsenal fans returning for the first time since that day in February 2008 might have felt an unsettling sense of history repeating itself.