Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 26th minute as Bukayo Saka’s shot was deflected in by defender Cristian Romero. Saka cut inside and his curled effort was sent looping past Guglielmo Vicario by the Spurs vice-captain.
Tottenham equalised three minutes before half-time when Son Heung-min slotted home after James Maddison picked him out from the byline. A few seconds earlier, David Raya had flapped at a cross and Arsenal failed to get it clear.
In between the goals, Gabriel Jesus blazed over the bar after dispossessing Maddison on the edge of his own box – and it proved to be a crucial moment. Arsenal were awarded a penalty straight after half-time when Romero blocked Ben White’s shot with his hand.
It was initially not given but VAR asked referee Robert Jones to take a look at the incident on the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot. Saka cheekily chipped home the penalty to restore his side’s lead.
However, the lead lasted a matter of seconds thanks to an awful blunder from Jorginho – a half-time replacement for the injured Declan Rice – who lost the ball to Maddison. He slipped in Son, who passed the ball beyond Raya.
Both sides could have won it thereafter. A draw was a fair result but Spurs left the Emirates the happier side. Daily Star Sport picks out four things Gunners boss Mikel Arteta got wrong...
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline during the North London Derby
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline during the North London Derby
Not signing a top-class centre-forward
They may have scored twice but Arsenal’s lack of a top-class striker was obvious as they took the game to Spurs in the closing stages. Despite his recent England call-up, Eddie Nketiah isn’t that man.James Maddison and Son Heung-Min celebrate Tottenham's first equaliser at the Emirates
James Maddison and Son Heung-Min celebrate Tottenham's first equaliser at the Emirates
Not targeting Tottenham’s left enough
Arsenal had great success exploiting Tottenham’s left in the first half when Destiny Udogie, who picked up an early booking, was run ragged. That’s how the opening goal came as Saka raced forward before his curling shot was sliced into his own net by Romero.
In his defence, Udogie received little in the way of support from youngster Brennan Johnson, who was thrown into the side by Ange Postecoglou. But it was an area Arsenal failed to exploit nearly enough as Tottenham grew in confidence and took a foothold in the game.
0 Comments