But West Ham still pressed for a win and Cech had to be alert to keep out Diamanti's sharp effort.

CNN: Leaders Chelsea held at West Ham

Vermaelen saw red just before the break for bringing down Guillermo Franco, but Alessandro Diamanti saw his spot-kick well saved by Manuel Almunia.

BBC: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

However, Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia saved Alessandro Diamanti's resultant penalty to preserve the lead given to the home side by midfielder Denilson in the fifth minute.

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"We've entered a phase where we're not only facing a crisis, but we've lost our horizon, " said Ilvo Diamanti, a professor of political science at Urbino University.

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Diamanti sent Petr Cech the wrong way with the spot kick, but it was clear Chelsea would improve after the break and they drew level just after the hour mark.

CNN: Leaders Chelsea held at West Ham

After a long punt into the box from Diamanti, Franco clashed with Vermaelen and referee Martin Atkinson was soon reaching for the red card after getting the nod from his assistant.

BBC: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Goals from Fredy Guarin and Rodrigo Palacio put Inter in a commanding position but two goals in four minutes from Alessandro Diamanti and Manolo Gabbiadini pushed the match into extra time.

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Kieron Dyer's pace down the right wing proved a menace to the Potters' defence, but with his fitness clearly still an issue, he failed to start the second half, giving way to Alessandro Diamanti.

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Italian Diamanti fired a free-kick over the bar, while Mido, starting up front in place of Cole, slid in at the back post and narrowly missed out on converting a devilishly low cross from the recalled Junior Stanislas.

BBC: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham