Julio Baptista scored twice as Arsenal staged a superb fightback to earn a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Tottenham.

Baptista had looked like being the villian after his first-half own goal following Dimitar Berbatov's early strike left Arsenal deep in trouble against their north London rivals.

But the Brazilian midfielder quickly assumed hero status with the Arsenal fans as his second half double put Arsene Wenger's young side back in the tie, ahead of next Wednesday's second leg.

Wenger was rewarded for keeping faith with the collection of youth team graduates that recorded impressive wins over Everton and Liverpool on the way to the last four.

Only Kolo Toure, Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos were retained from Sunday's victory against Manchester United and Tottenham boss Martin Jol may end up rueing his side's failure to press home their advantage.

Arsenal had been stuck in heavy traffic on route to White Hart Lane, forcing the kick-off to be delayed by 15 minutes, and they looked sluggish in the first half.

Tottenham threatened immediately as Berbatov played a one-two with strike partner Jermain Defoe that cut through Arsenal's defence, but the Bulgarian dragged his shot wide from just inside the area.

Berbatov didn't have to wait long to make the breakthrough though as Tottenham took the lead after 11 minutes.

Once again it was a fine combination between Tottenham's forwards that undid Arsenal as Defoe's cross looped in from the right and Berbatov took advantage of a slip by Toure to head home from close range.

The usually rock-solid Toure was at fault again moments later as he stumbled while trying to cut out Lennon's pass. Defoe seized on the loose ball but Manuel Almunia was able to push his shot to safety.

Tottenham were without a win in 15 matches against Arsenal, but the reward of a final against Chelsea next month drove them on and they went further ahead after 21 minutes.

Tom Huddlestone whipped in a low free-kick from the left edge of the area and Baptista, caught flat-footed, deflected the ball into his own net.

Tottenham's desire to reach their first final for five years was apparent as they snapped into every tackle.

Michael Dawson came close to putting them in total control as his header from Pascal Chimbonda's cross flashed just over.

Arsenal's only chance of the first half fell to Baptista but he missed his kick no more than two yards from goal.

Wenger's young guns had looked so accomplished in their 6-3 quarter-final win at Liverpool and they gradually worked their way back into the tie.

They were nearly handed a goal when Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson misjudged Fabregas's free-kick, but Dawson managed to head off the line.

After 64 minutes they did reduce the deficit as Emmanuel Eboue, on as a substitute, crossed and on-loan Real Madrid star Baptista poked his shot past Robinson from six yards.

Fabregas forced Robinson into a sprawling save as Arsenal pressed for an equaliser.

Tottenham were suddenly apprehensive and Arsenal, scenting that hesitancy, were level after 76 minutes.

Fabregas played a sublime pass to Justin Hoyte and the right-back crossed to Baptista, who slid in to score from close range.

Provided by AFP.