adminLONDON. — There have been too many false dawns, too many imagined changes of the guard for too much to be read into this, just yet. But did Tottenham look like the coming force in the Premier League? Yes. And were Arsenal beset by some very familiar problems? Yes, yes and, again, yes.
The defence that looks just sort of title-winning impregnability. The striker that misses too many sitters for comfort. The squad that looks just short when injuries impact. All were there, worryingly still. Kieran Gibbs rescued a point with 13 minutes remaining, so it felt like a win in the red half of north London. But it wasn’t. Arsenal used to use this fixture to demonstrate their supremacy over their local rivals, but they got away with it here. True, Olivier Giroud had enough chances to win the game after half-time – but Petr Cech made the best saves, and Tottenham will feel hardest done by. They had the pick of the talent on the day – Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela all excellent, Alli watched by England manager Roy Hodgson.
Spurs dominated for long periods and took a deserved first-half lead when Harry Kane broke clear and slotted in.
However, Arsenal slowly took control in the second half and equalised when Mesut Ozil provided a deep cross for Gibbs to bundle past Hugo Lloris.
Arsenal are level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, while Spurs lie fifth.
Though the visitors were denied an impressive victory, Mauricio Pochettino’s side remain unbeaten since the opening day of the season and are within three points of a Champions League place.
On the evidence of this performance, they are credible contenders to finish in the top four.
They have developed into a highly efficient unit who press the ball well from a solid base, while their attacking trio of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane appears capable of breaking down the meanest of defences.
Arsenal were beaten 5-1 by Bayern Munich in midweek, and their defensive frailties were highlighted by Tottenham’s opener.
Spurs left-back Danny Rose played a ball inside the channel and, after Laurent Koscielny had stepped up, Kane nipped in front of Per Mertesacker before applying a composed finish.
Spurs unlocked Arsenal on numerous occasions and Cech made a particularly good save from Toby Alderweireld’s header, while Kane and Eriksen flashed shots wide of goal.
Arsenal failed to register a shot on goal until the 38th minute – their previous worst at home this season was the eighth minute – but they did grow in confidence and composure as the game wore on.
Mathieu Flamini replaced Santi Cazorla at half-time as Arsenal attempted to stifle the threat of Alli in particular, and it worked well for the Gunners.
As Spurs began to tire, striker Olivier Giroud went close with two headers – one hitting the bar and the other rolling just wide – before Gibbs got in front of Kyle Walker at the back post to level.
Only Bournemouth covered more ground than Tottenham over the weekend, with Spurs running a collective 7km more than Arsenal.
It could be argued, however, that the visitors did tire with their possession dropping to just 31,4 percent in the final 15 minutes compared to 58,6 percent in the final five minutes of the first half.
Arsenal did always look a threat going forward, once they shook off their early lethargy, and Ozil became the first ever player to contribute an assist in six consecutive Premier League games in the same season.
The Germany World Cup winner also became the first player to assist 10 goals in his opening 11 games of a Premier League season.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said in the second half “we showed the mental strength of a side determined not to lose the game. In the end I think it’s a good 1-1.” – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter