A capacity crowd of more than 38,000 witnessed Arsenal and Celtic fail to break the deadlock during Tony Adams' testimonial at Highbury.

Adams, who has been at Arsenal for 19 seasons, was rewarded for his unstinting service to the English Double-winners.

Tickets for the match sold out in two days, helping to produce receipts of nearly �1m of which Adams - a recovering alcoholic - has promised to donate around half to his own charity, Sporting Chance.

The return of Adams' former Arsenal team mates at Highbury - Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould, goalkeeper John Lukic and striker Ian Wright - added to the party mood.

The goals came from Alan Thompson's 32nd minute free kick and a 67th-minute equaliser from the head of 38-year-old Arsenal veteran Lee Dixon, who announced his retirement at the weekend.

But the occasion belonged firmly to Adams, the former England captain who has played 663 senior matches for the north London club and who is contemplating retirement.

 Photo Gallery: Adams' Highbury career

After making his debut in 1983, Adams went on to captain the club to 10 major trophies, including English league championships in three different decades.

Adams' Arsenal team-mates tried desperately to set him up with a goal but he couldn't oblige before being substituted one minute before time, bowing as he left the pitch to a rapturous reception.