LONDON, Oct 26: A superbly struck free kick by Thierry Henry sent unbeaten Arsenal back to the top of the premier league on Sunday after a 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic.

The France striker notched his 10th goal in all competitions this season with a 40th-minute equaliser after Paolo Di Canio had fired Charlton ahead from the penalty spot.

Arsenal, who have 24 points, are one point ahead of Chelsea with Manchester United, surprisingly beaten 3-1 at home by Fulham on Saturday, in third place on 22.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was happy to take home a point after conceding his side had not hit top gear at The Valley, where they had enjoyed 3-0 wins in the last two seasons.

Arsenal, looking to bounce back after Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at Dynamo Kiev, made two changes from the side beaten in the Ukraine with Fredrik Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp starting in place of Edu and Sylvain Wiltord.

Both sides spurned half-chances in a bright opening but it was Charlton, with three successive league wins behind them, who went ahead on 27 minutes.

Arsenal defender Lauren was, somewhat harshly, penalised for tripping Matt Holland and Di Canio cheekily chipped home the penalty after Jens Lehmann had committed by diving to his left.

It was the Italian striker’s first league goal for Charlton since joining on a one-year-deal in August but it was his only meaningful contribution after he was substituted just before the break.

Henry made no mistake six minutes before the break, though, when Scott Parker fouled Ray Parlour five metres outside the penalty area. Henry curled the free kick around the wall and into the top right-hand corner of Kiely’s goal.

Neither side could gain the upper hand in the second half. —Reuters