London: Arsenal squandered a golden opportunity to book their place in the Champions League last 16 as Anderlecht stormed back from three goals down to rescue a stunning 3-3 draw on Tuesday. Arsene Wenger-s side were on course to qualify for the knockout stage of Europe-s elite club competition for the 15th successive season after Mikel Arteta-s penalty and fine strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put them in complete control by the 58th minute.


Arsenal-s Polish-born German striker Lukas Podolski R looks at the ball after Anderlecht scored their third goal to equalise during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match between Arsenal and Anderlecht at the Emirates Stadium in north London. Pic/AFP 

But the Gunners- creaky defence was brutally exposed by Anderlecht in a remarkable finale that saw the Belgians score three times in the last 29 minutes to stun the Emirates Stadium into silence. Anthony Vanden Borre sparked the incredible revival with a tap-in from an offside position and he then netted a penalty before Aleksandar Mitrovic-s stoppage-time header completed the heroic comeback.