 |
| Here's Dembele being brought down in the box at the end of a great run |
Harry Kane marked his return from injury after seven weeks with the equaliser that keeps Tottenham as the only unbeaten team in the Premier League after a north London derby draw at Arsenal.
The England striker has been sidelined since 18 September with an ankle injury but was on target from the penalty spot early in the second half after Kevin Wimmer's own goal three minutes before the interval gave Arsenal the advantage.
EPL Table As It Stands
Match Highlights
The Gunners knew victory would put them top of the table and Theo Walcott almost put them ahead, crashing a shot against the post, before Wimmer glanced Mesut Ozil's free-kick past his own keeper Hugo Lloris.
Spurs responded well with Kane's spot-kick after Laurent Koscielny tangled with Mousa Dembele They then threatened to take all three points, Christian Eriksen forcing a fine save from Petr Cech before his angled free-kick bounced back off the post in the closing minutes.
Arsenal miss their chance?
Arsenal could have gone top of the Premier League with victory here - moving ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City - and all the omens seemed good for them.
The Gunners were in prime form - they remain unbeaten since the season's opening day - and faced a Spurs side in reduced circumstances, without a win in six games and missing the influence of injured defender Toby Alderweireld and midfielder Dele Alli.
With Kane also returning after a seven-week absence, Arsenal would have entered this north London derby high on optimism - and yet had to settle for a draw.
Arsenal were pushed on to the back foot for the first 20 minutes but then exerted their authority to lead by half-time, only to be knocked off track by the concession of that cheap penalty.
The Gunners still showed plenty of grit but in the end they did not possess enough guile to unlock a resolute Spurs defence, who held out in relative comfort for a point.
Pochettino will be more satisfied than Wenger
It may seem strange to suggest, but spirits appeared low at Spurs despite the fact they entered this game as the only unbeaten team left in the Premier League.
Spurs were on an indifferent run after a superb 2-0 win against Manchester City in early October and their Champions League campaign is in real danger of fizzling out after that second Wembley defeat in the group stage against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
 |
| Kane had not played for Spurs since 18 September but stepped up to calmly stroke in the leveller |
They left Emirates Stadium in better heart after a strong performance and the return of their main marksman Kane, who looked dangerous, albeit short of full match fitness.
Spurs overcame the loss of important players to fully deserve their point and the manner in which they responded to conceding that unfortunate own goal just before half-time will have left Mauricio Pochettino more satisfied than counterpart Arsene Wenger.
What they said:
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, speaking to BBC Sport: "It is disappointing to drop two points at home. We created plenty of chances in dangerous situations.
"In the second half we looked more laboured, there were plenty of aspects I did not like, the desire was there but we were too nervous.
"We lacked what we are strong at; the fluency of movement, vision around the box. We usually play better from the back, there was a lot missing.
"Spurs go home happy, we go home and are not happy. We wanted to win the game, but overall it is not mathematically a disaster."
On the Spurs penalty: "From the outside it looked a very soft penalty, I was surprised."
 |
| Kane equalised through a penalty |
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino,speaking to BT Sport: "It was a strong performance from my team. Arsenal were on a good run, our players deserve full credit, they were fantastic.
"They played well, we created some chances to win the game, it was very competitive and good to see."
On Arsenal's opener: "Some people say to me it is offside, it is unlucky but we showed big character, we didn't suffer, we started the second half well, deserved the penalty and scored."
On Harry Kane's return: "I am happy with Harry Kane, it is tough after not playing for a few months,. I am happy he is back, it is important for the team to feel one of our best players is available."
What's next?
Arsenal play away to Manchester United in a 12:30 GMT kick-off on Saturday, 19 November after the international break.
Tottenham welcome West Ham in a 17:30 GMT start later that day.
0 comments:
Post a Comment