Arsenal were held to a surprise 1-1 Champions League group E draw by Rosenborg Trondheim on Wednesday after failing to take advantage of their many goal chances.

The unbeaten English Premier League leaders controlled most of the first half, with Swedish midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg giving them the lead from close range after the hosts failed to clear a Thierry Henry corner in the sixth minute.

However, Rosenborg, for years the scourge of Europe's elite in the Champions League, grew more confident after the break and hit back in the 52nd minute when midfielder Roar Strand sidefooted an equaliser into the roof of the net after a perfect square pass from Fredrik Winsnes.

Arsenal continued to probe after that, with Henry a constant threat, but were unable to find a way through and had to settle for a point.

However, coming after their laboured 1-0 home win over PSV Eindhoven, it was enough to leave them top the group with four points.

PSV beat Panathinaikos 1-0 on Wednesday to leave both on three with Rosenborg, heading for their 13th consecutive domestic league title, on one.

"It was great to score but we don't win so of course we're disappointed," said Ljungberg. "I think we played well and created quite a few goal chances but unfortunately we did not manage to convert them."

Coach Arsene Wenger, said that his side had perhaps been too cautious. "I am disappointed with a draw. We should have taken the three points," he said.

"We were too comfortable. We were a little bit within ourselves."

Rosenborg coach Ola By Riise, a former goalkeeper at the club who took over after Age Hareide moved to the national side a year ago, was pleased with the draw.

"We have played against the group's best team," said By Riise. "To play 1-1 against Arsenal is a big bonus."

Rosenborg, in the Champions League for the ninth time in 10 seasons, next meet PSV at home on October 20.

"We can win that match," By Riise said.

Arsenal's next game is at home to Panathinaikos on the same day.