Football: Top Guns

ASHLEY COLE was the unlikely source of the goal that put Arsenal at the top of the Premiership last night.

The England left-back (left) headed home to complete a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough and round off the Gunners' second Highbury comeback in four days - and was mobbed by his team-mates (right).

But the day was marred by an astonishing outburst by Middlesbrough scorer Noel Whelan aimed at referee Andy D'Urso.

The Billericay official overlooked a blatant foul by Thierry Henry on Paul Ince that led to Robert Pires's equaliser for Arsenal. Whelan launched an amazing attack which will almost certainly land him in hot water with the FA.

Whelan raged: "The referee must have been p*ssed, it's a massive mistake by the referee.

"It looked like the game was too big for him. The crowd put him under a lot pressure and anyone who watches this game on TV will see what a bad decision it was. That one decision changed the course of the game."

Arsenal are now 15-8 joint favourites with Manchester United, who visit Fulham today, for the title.

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