Arsenal suffered a setback three minutes later when Patrick Vieira, who was wearing a strapping on his knee and had been the victim of a heavy challenge from Michael Brown, limped off to be replaced by Gilberto Silva.

BBC: Arsenal sink brave Blades

Vainikolo did not return for the second-half, watching from the sidelines with strapping on his right knee as Charlie Sharples replaced him.

BBC: Gloucester 34-20 London Irish

The 31-year-old wore strapping on his troublesome knee during net practice on Thursday, but was only able to bowl for 35 minutes at three quarter pace.

BBC: Flintoff ruled out of fourth Test