ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hailed the spirit that his side showed to claim "a strong point" against top-four rivals Everton this evening (Saturday) at Goodison Park.  

Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud both found the back of the net in the final eight minutes as the Gunners overcame their lacklustre display to snatch a 2-2 draw. 

Seamus Coleman's header and a controversial goal from Steven Naismith had given the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break. 

"I think it is a strong point because we were 2-0 down," said a relieved Wenger after the game. "It is a good point, and a deserved one. 

"Their second goal was a foul, and I don't know if it was offside or not, but that's the kind of decision that can go against you. 

"What is most important is that we've shown the spirit to fight against it and come back." 

The Toffees took the lead on 19 minutes when marauding right-back Coleman ghosted past Mesut Ozil at the back post to head home Gareth Barry's teasing cross. 

Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal a crucial lifeline with his second of the season

On the stroke of half-time Wenger's woes were doubled. Romelu Lukaku set off on a powerful run that started in his own half before sliding a neat pass to Naismith, who coolly slotted the ball past Wojciech Szczesny. 

It was a goal that left Wenger fuming as Lukaku clearly fouled Per Mertesacker in the build up, while replays showed goalscorer Naismith was clearly offside. 

The Gunners' boss wasted little time ringing the changes as he brought Giroud on at half time for the energetic, but ineffective, Alexis Sanchez. The French striker almost made an immediate impact as he volleyed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross over the bar within a minute of joining the action. 

Giroud squandered another good chance in the 66th minute when he pulled a left-footed shot wide, before forcing Everton keeper Tim Howard into a smart save two minutes later. 

The home side were, however, tiring, and Ramsey took advantage when he beat Leighton Baines and Leon Osman to Santi Cazorla's cross to score from close range. 

And with just seconds left on the clock, Giroud got the goal his performance deserved when he headed home Nacho Monreal's cross to earn what seemed an unlikely point.