Tomas Rosicky made his first appearance in 18 months as Arsenal began their pre-season preparations with a 2-2 draw in their traditional curtain-raiser at Barnet.
The Gunners twice lead through goals from Andrei Arshavin and Nacer Barazite, but were pegged back first by Ismail Yakubu and then again late on by Elliot Charles.
Sidelined since January 2008 due to persistent fitness problems, Czech midfielder Rosicky joined summer signing Thomas Vermaelen in the starting line-up at Underhill as the Belgian defender enjoyed his first taste of English football.
While the focus was naturally on the returning hero and the new arrival, it was the star of the second half of last season, Arshavin, who edged Arsenal in front after 43 minutes with a finish from close range.
Barnet claimed a shock equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Yakubu headed past Manuel Almunia but Barazite, one of ten Arsenal substitutes who appeared after the break, converted with a fine finish after 51 minutes.
Arsenal's second-half line-up resembled their youth team, Vermaelen aside who had been handed the captain's armband, and a dogged Barnet side clung on before scoring a late equaliser through Charles.
With Rosicky and Vermaelen both finding their feet, the first half initially took on a subdued nature although Arshavin and youth team forward Sanchez Watt did test goalkeeper William Viner with two early efforts.
Arsenal's League Two opponents were far from overawed and 40-year-old striker Paul Furlong sent one effort flying just over the crossbar after 41minutes as The Gunners struggled to take a grip on the game.
Arshavin looked to have given Arsenal a first-half lead though when his excellent movement saw the Russia star burst into space in the box and convert from close range following Watt's clever cross.
However, Barnet showed great spirit to respond almost immediately when Yakubu met a Danny Hart set-piece with a flicked header that beat Almunia in first-half injury time.
Only Vermaelen survived half-time as Wenger made ten changes at the break but instead of resulting in a disjointed start to proceedings, the manager's tinkering brought immediate reward.
Barazite, having had one shot blocked from inside the box, controlled the ball and measured a fine curling effort into the far corner for his third goal in three years at Underhill.
The Dutch youngster, who enjoyed a spell on loan with Derby County last season, showed some neat touches but Arsenal's young side were unable to extend their lead and Barnet duly equalised with seven minutes remaining.
A combination of some poor defending and a distinctly unconvincing piece of goalkeeping from Vito Mannone allowed substitute Charles to sweep the ball home just three minutes after his introduction.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas should have won the game for Arsenal when spurning a superb chance in the final minutes, but with Rosicky back in action and Vermaelen making his bow, it was still a very welcome afternoon for Wenger as he prepares to embark on his 13th full season as Arsenal manager.
Via: Yahoo! Sport
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