His miss would have put West Ham 3-1 up against the last season's 'Double' winners and virtually sealed three points.

As it was, David Seaman's save from Kanoute's weak effort breathed new hope into Arsenal, who had already scored through Thierry Henry's sizzling strike but then completed the comeback with Sylvain Wiltord's 88th-minute equaliser.

Manager Glenn Roeder said: 'Freddie is a very quiet person but he was extremely disappointed afterwards - so much so he said he didn't want to take another penalty.

'Time will tell, but we have other good penalty-takers like Trevor Sinclair and Christian Dailly. Jermain Defoe is another who would put himself up to take one.' Roeder did have some good news, for veteran defender Nigel Winterburn, who was substituted in the second half, should be fit for Saturday's derby at home to Charlton.

He said: 'Nigel got a knock on the ankle and dislocated his thumb for the second time this season, but should be fit for Charlton.'

Northern Ireland international Steve Lomas is still recovering from a shin injury while Paolo Di Canio, who is in Italy having treatment on a foot injury, should resume full training in a week's time.

Roeder is, however, resigned to the transfer window closing on Saturday without him adding to his squad.