Alexis Sanchez levelled for Arsenal in today’s north London derby at White Hart Lane, as Spurs looked set to go top of the Premier League

Published: 5 March, 2016
by DAN CARRIER at White Hart Lane
Premier League

SPURS 2, ARSENAL 2

SPURS and Arsenal shared the spoils at White Hart Lane this lunchtime – meaning the derby clash leaves the north London sides in second and third place as they try to catch Leicester at the top.

Arsenal took the lead against the run of play through Aaron Ramsay on 38 minutes, only to see Spurs hit back in the second half with goals from Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane. But Spurs could not see out the game against a 10-man Arsenal side who had lost Franicis Coquelin to a second yellow card. Alexis Sanchez clawed the visitors level with 15 minutes to go.

Spurs were quicker out of the blocks and until they fell behind had threatened to swamp Arsenal. Harry Kane had three good efforts early on, while the returning Mousa Dembele was pulling strings.

Tottenham’s best chance in the first half came on 25 minutes. A Kyle Walker cross was met well by Erik Lamela but Arsenal’s stand-in goalkeeper David Ospina did brilliantly to get down and make the save.

Then, against the run of play, Arsenal shocked Spurs through Ramsay. The midfielder steered home after Arsenal broke.

On 55 minutes, Coquelin was sent off for a second bookable offence after taking out Kane as the forward raced past him. It cranked the pressure up another notch. Kane thought he had scored when he drove goalwards from close range on 57 minutes, but Ospina somehow managed to claw it away on the line.

Ospina’s goal was leading a charmed life, but the spell was broken on the hour mark. A Spurs corner saw the ball squirt down in the six-yard box where defender Toby Alderweireld smashed home from close range.

Almost straight from the re-start, Alli put Mertesacker under pressure, found Kane and the forward advanced five yards before curling in a beautiful effort.

But this ding-dong derby had one last twist. Arsenal looked beaten but found an unlikely reply on 75 minutes. Alexis Sanchez captialised on Spurs not clearing their lines properly and struck a shot Hugo Lloris could not keep out.

The home team did all they could to rescue the situation, with Ryan Mason, Kane and Eriksen all going close. Arsenal defender Gabriel also went close to turning the ball in to his own net after miscuing a clearance.

But it was to remain 2-2 – a result that really helps neither in their chase for the top spot.

Pochettino’s reaction

MAURICIO Pochettino said the draw would provide his young team with another valuable experience – and added that the result, which leaves Spurs two points off first place, did not mean the title dream was over.

“There was one team today that was best, and that team was Tottenham,” he said.

“It was a missed opportunity and the way we played we deserved more. But we are the youngest team in the Premiership and this type of game, at the top of the table, is important for the players to experience.

“Little by little they learn more. Yes, we are disappointed and frustrated, but we are still improving . There are still nine games to go and a lot of points to be won. We feel not so good focussing on the result but I want to feel proud of my players.”

Wenger’s reaction

ARSENE Wenger praised his side for their efforts to grab a valuable away point and put a halt to two back-to-back league defeats.

He said: “We showed great spirit and we managed to come away with a point with 10 men away from home.”

Commenting on the sending off of Francis Coquelin, he said: “I warned him at half-time and he made a mistake. I can’t complain about that – but I can complain that Eric Dier did not get a second yellow card as well.”

And he added the equalising goal will give his side renewed confidence.

“We have to be encouraged. There is quality and spirit in the team. We looked dangerous going forward and organised in midfield and at the back.”

Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Rose (Davies, 77), Alderweireld, Kane, Lamela (Mason, 66), Dier, Dembele (Son, 81), Alli, Eriksen, Wimmer.
Arsenal: Ospina, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Ozil (Campbell, 89), Ramsey, Sanchez, Welbeck (Flamini, 84), Bellerin, Coquelin, Elneny (Giroud, 74).