James Morrison curled a beauty past Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann following a one-two with Jason Euell to give Middlesbrough the lead against the run of play.
New signing from Chelsea William Gallas was at fault for the opening goal, though too were much of the Arsenal back line.
Despite Arsenal's early pressure there was little penetration and Boro' were only too happy to take advantage.
Once behind Arsenal turned up the tempo and forced 'keeper Schwarzer into several fine saves.
The game turned on George Boateng's sending off following his second yellow card.
With Middlesbrough under the cosh, Stuart Downing tripped Arsenal full-back Eboue in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Thierry Henry coolly converted the spot-kick and Arsenal sensed all three points were in the offering.
But for all their pressure, the Gunners simply could not penetrate the Middlesbrough back line.
Jonathan Woodgate, making his debut following his season's loan from Real Madrid, marshalled the 'Boro defence superbly and showed no signs of the injuries that have plighted his career so cruelly in recent years.
With the game there to be won, Arsenal gave a debut to their recent recruit from Real Madrid Julio Baptista.
The Brazilian powerhouse certainly adds a bit of muscle to the Gunners' midfield, something lacking since the departure of the heralded Patrick Viera.
But the South American was unable to help prise open 'Boro as Arsenal's efforts became more frenzied.
The game was in remarkable contrast to last year's fixture, when 'Boro were on the receiving end of a 7-0 hammering.
The result leaves Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger with a headache following just two points from the opening three fixtures.
English Premiership Football Results
Arsenal Although Aresnal have made a fantastic start to the season i worry about their strength in depth and have serious doubts whether they have enough quality to maintain their title challenge. Players like Fabregas and Gallas are quality but the test will be when they have a bad patch and are faced with injury problems. Will they have enough to respond only time will tell but i have my doubts. I actually think that Arsenal will finish Fourth this season. ( Fourth )
Manchester United United defiantley have the strength in depth and have already responded well after a shaky start. Rooney and Ronaldo are world class and with Vidic and Ferdinand are arguably the best centre back partnership in the premiership. Wayne Rooney is back banging in goals and Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to hit form. Manchester United have a great team and are my favorites to win the premiership. Initially i fancied Chelsea but since the sacking of Jose Mourinho i slightly favor United. ( Champions )
Liverpool Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be hoping to lead Liverpool to Premiership glory this season but in reality i can't see it happening this season . I am a Liverpool fan myself and would like nothing more than to be proven wrong but the fact is Liverpool are lacking defensively. Daniel Agger is quality but still young JC is a good defender but would struggle to get into Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea's defence at centre back. Sami hyypia is too old and with out a good defense you wont win the premiership. Saying that with Steven Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso etc i do believe Liverpool have the strongest centre midfield in the premiership and with the signing of F.Torres things are looking bright. ( Third ) .
Chelsea I believe that Chelsea will finish runners up this season. My original favorites to comfortably win the premiership title the season will be haunted by the sacking of Jose Mourinho. Avram Grant has made a great start to his managerial career at stamford bridge but he inherited a fantastic team from Jose Mourinho. He does however remain unproven as a manager at this level and its when things are going bad we will find out what he's made of. Jose Mourinho had an absolute nightmare season last year in terms of injuries suspensions bad luck and still pushed Man Utd to the wire. With players like Frank Lampard, John Terry and D. Drogba you will always be a force but can Avram Grant get the best out of them, we will have to see. ( Runners Up )
Finally below are my final standings for the race to the premership title it should be intersting and very exciting...... Barclays Premier League : Final Standings
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