Arsenal’s nightmare continued as a bizarre own goal from Mathieu Flamini in the last minute handed Swansea a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had called for a response following the 6-0 thrashing at Chelsea, which ruined his 1,000th match in charge, but his side were not able to deliver. 

Having trailed to an 11th-minute header from Wilfried Bony, it was not until the introduction of substitute Lukas Podolski just before the hour that Arsenal finally sparked into life with two goals in the space of 60 seconds.

First, Kieran Gibbs darted down the left and supplied a low cross which was bundled home by Podolski in the 73rd minute. Then the German turned provider as he charged clear of the Swansea defence to send in a low cross which Olivier Giroud smashed past Michel Vorm at the near post.

However, following a disputed free-kick, the ball broke to Swansea’s Leon Britton at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. As the midfielder pressed forwards, riding a couple of challenges, he stabbed the ball goalwards.

It was blocked by Per Mertesacker, then ricocheted off goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and back onto Flamini before rolling into the net.

"I think at the moment that is not the biggest worry we have," Wenger said when asked about Arsenal's title prospects. "We have to be realistic a little bit and look behind us as well as in front of us.

"The result on Saturday has affected us a lot because it was a big disappointment. This result hurts us a lot as well.

"It is very disappointing but we have to take it on the chin. After getting to 2-1 we were too conservative. Our confidence level had been affected and we just wanted to close out the game rather than score again."

Elsewhere, Ross Barkley scored one of the goals of the season as Everton won 3-0 at Newcastle.

The England international picked up possession inside his own half and powered his way through the mesmerised home defence before blasting an unstoppable shot past keeper Tim Krul.

Romelu Lukaku and Leon Osman were also on the scoresheet for the Toffees as they kept alive their top four hopes. 

"We were very powerful in both boxes. I was pleased with the goals and to keep a clean sheet against opposition like Newcastle shows focus and concentration," explained Martinez.

"Now there are going to be a lot of twists and turns. This league could spring a few surprises from now until the end of the season."