Arsenal 1 Spurs 1 – Match report

A performance of confidence and quality that failed to get the reward it deserved. From the off we were the side on top and in control – Alli, Dier and the once again superb Dembélé dominated and bullied the home midfield whilst ahead of them the non-stop running and harrying of Harry, Lamela and Eriksen gave their back four a torrid time.

The trouble was of course that we didn’t make the most of the time we were on top. Kane’s lovely composed finish from Rose’s superbly weighted pass wasn’t enough. After going in ahead at the break we obviously expected more pressure in the second half – there couldn’t be less such was the extent to which we’d isolated their danger men and forced them back – and whilst the Gooners came back into the game we still created enough chances to have taken what surely would’ve been a decisive lead. Curse you Petr Cech.

Eriksen, Kane and Alderweireld all had shots or headers pushed wide or beaten out whilst Rose continually found time and space but was unable to measure a cross on to Kane’s head.  Alli’s excellent performance was only marred by his inability to find a final ball.

We know already that the weak link in our back four is in the air and Giroud nearly exploited it several times before Gibbs shinned an Ozil cross at Lloris who should’ve done better than palm it into the net. A totally undeserved equaliser.

We saw out the game despite the sudden burst of vigour from the previously mostly listless home team and the arousal the citizens of Woolwich from their slumbers.

A real shame that we didn’t either get a second or hold on but there is plenty to be proud of and thrilled about. The displays of Walker and rest of the back four, the aforementioned dynamic midfield, more confirmation that the Hurricane is blowing once more but most of all the youth, the energy,  the promise… it all makes one feel strangely optimistic. A dangerous emotion for a Spurs fan.

The bad news was Lamela’s fifth yellow, he’ll be missing for the Hamsters in a fortnight; Andy Carroll will have noted our susceptibility to balls hoofed in like they were today.

Eleven unbeaten now and this characterful team is playing with such a force that it’s hard not to inwardly speculate how much longer it can go on for. I’m only drunk on the pride and passion of today’s performance before you ask.

I hope Pochettino enjoys his steak and Malbec tonight, he deserves it. COYS.

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