The Togo striker must now sit out the Gunners' next match - away to third-placed Aston Villa on Boxing Day - after he was sent off for a second caution during yesterday's 1-1 draw with championship rivals Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old and boss Arsene Wenger were heavily critical of referee Howard Webb for the dismissal but the pair will not receive action from the Football Association for their comments.

The Gunners battled commendably when reduced to 10 men for the final half-hour, but were unable to fashion a winner to add the Reds to the scalps of Manchester United and Chelsea earlier in the campaign.

As a result, Wenger's side are now some eight points off the pace, and could fall further behind should Chelsea win at Everton tonight.

However, with half their league games still to play, Togo striker Adebayor maintains all is not lost just yet and insists Arsenal have shown they do possess the character needed to force their way back into contention over the next five months.

"At the end of the day, I can say it is a point gained because we were playing with 10 men for the last 30 minutes of the game," he said.

"We are not happy, but we can be pleased with the performance of the team. Every single player has shown character and that is what is good.

"We just have to keep going now, and have shown that even with 10 we can play good football and so with 11 we have a chance to win.

"Against Liverpool, you could say the referee took those two points away, and if you think about our own mistakes in some other games, you can see where the title could have gone.

"But at the moment, we are still there and have just to keep going."

Adebayor added: "Even with 10 men, we managed to get a point against Liverpool who are at the top of the table with players who are playing well.

"With my presence up front, I do not know if I am going to score or not, but behind with 11 against 11 in a top-level game, we can still hope to do something.

"We have to go there, they have to play Manchester United and Chelsea too.

"The title is still open for everyone to win it."

Adebayor hit out at the reaction of Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, whom he claimed acted like he had been "knifed" as he fell to the ground dramatically following the challenge which resulted in Webb reaching for his pocket.

The actions of the Arsenal frontman were clumsy at best, but replays showed there was no use of the elbow.

Adebayor defended his approach, insisting strikers get bashed and bruised as much as any players.

He said: "I can show you some marks on my leg, I got a lot of kicks - but I was trying to be on my feet.

"For me I don't think I deserved the red card, but that is football, and you have to take it like that."

The Gunners will not only be without Adebayor for the trip to Villa Park, but also captain Cesc Fabregas.

The midfielder was unable to continue for the second half after picking up a knee problem after a challenge with Spain compatriot Xabi Alonso and could miss all of the festive fixtures.