The North London Derby fulfilled the expectations of the fans. We saw four goals, numerous chances, excitement all over the place and eventually a draw between Arsenal and Tottenham, 2-2.
The guests were better in the opening 45 minutes and even had a two-goal advantage, but Arsenal’s surge in the second half was too big for the Spurs to hold on. We have to say that a draw was the fairest result in the end.
Tottenham took the lead after 10 minutes of play when Christian Eriksen scored from a nearby. Erik Lamela’s shot was denied by goalkeeper Leno, but the ball went straight towards Eriksen who didn’t have any troubles in executing that chance. It was his 50th goal in the Premier League and the first one against Arsenal.
Just five minutes before the end of the halftime, the Spurs doubled the lead. Martin Atkinson awarded a penalty for the guests, due to Granit Xhaka’s reckless challenge on Son. Harry Kane took the responsibility and calmly converted this shot, posting his 10th goal in the North London derby.
Arsenal’s response was immediate. The French connection Pepe-Lacazzete struck in the stoppage time, with the newest addition assisting Lacazzete for a goal.
The Gunners came out fired up in the second half and started pressuring the rival immediately. Hugo Lloris saved the Spurs in the 56th minute when he saved Matteo Guendouzi’s shot. Only three minutes later, Kane ‘s attempt finished on the post of Leno’s goal.
After a few more chances, Tottenham conceded a goal. It was Guendouzi who sent a perfect pass to Aubameyang, and the top scorer of the last Premiership campaign ignited the crowd at the Emirates stadium.
After that, Sead Kolasinac scored another one, but it was cancelled following VAR review. Kolasinac also had a superb chance in the meantime, but he didn’t score. Furthermore, Arsenal’s defender removed the ball in front of Aumabeyang. It would have been a golden opportunity for the home team to seal the win.
On the other side, Tottenham waited for counter-attacks, and they did have a couple of chances to score. Harry Kane was disappointed after the finish of the event, saying that his team missed a nice opportunity to defeat the big rivals.
“I feel like were coming off disappointed. We expect to see the game out,” said the prolific striker. “The goal hurt us with momentum just before the break. It was an end-to-end game, especially last 10-15 minutes but the players left everything on the pitch.”
Unai Emery was also a bit unhappy with the final result.
“It was an amazing match. We are proud of our work and our supporters. The result isn’t the best for us,” said the Spanish manager.
The Gunners are now 5th in the standings with 7 points from 4 games. Tottenham is sitting at place No.9 with 5 points. The next matches are in two weeks time, after an international break. Arsenal heads for Watford to meet the Wolves, while Tottenham plays at home against Crystal Palace.
