Tottenham played host to Arsenal at Wembley with the points margin significantly reduced between them. Instead of fighting for the title, Spurs may be under threat for 3rd and 4th position as Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea look to seize the advantage.
This Derby wasn’t a classic but it was well contested, full of incident and controversial.
Arsenal had enough chances but were disgracefully wasteful. Lacazette could have had three, Iwobi one and Aubameyang a penalty goal but it all went begging.
The Emirates club will now have to clip United’s wings at the Emirates next weekend if they want to push on.
Here are Arsenal Player Ratings:
Leno – 7 – Brilliant double save showed how vital the young German will be in seasons to come.
Mustafi – 5 – Didn’t do much wrong and in an unfamiliar role but the barge on Harry Kane allowed Spurs back in and tainted a good performance.
Koscielny – 7 – Good showing under pressure, especially during Tottenham’s punting spell. High balls, long balls were no problem for a man who shows balls every week.
Sokratis – 8 – The embodiment of Arsenal’s fighting spirit. Always put a foot in and even led the crowd in celebration, the guy’s a keeper.
Monreal – 6 – Not his most explosive game, his contribution was fair but not exciting.
Showed great heart in the heat of the battle.
Guendouzi – 6 – He was always going to be expendable if changes needed to be made.
Another fabulous memory for the youngster and the experience is useful. Passionate as always.
Xhaka – 7 – Made himself busy and made a vital contribution in the middle. Not scared to get physical and pressurize the opposition.
Ramsey – 8 – Constantly covering ground during the match, not afraid to take chances, took his goal extremely well. A fond farewell to his second home.
Iwobi – 6 – Untidy and careless at times but he posed a threat down the left and nearly got a goal. The guy just needs to work on what he does when he reaches the box and the quality of his final ball.
Mkhitaryan – 7 – Continues to improve since his injury and although not dominant, he showed quality and assured touch. Worked hard in the trenches and was always looking for opportunities.
Lacazette – 5 – Unusually wasteful and not really on the boil. I wanted him ahead of Aubameyang for his power and energy but they seemed to be lacking. Missed three golden opportunities which would have buried Spurs, disappointing today.
SUBS:
Aubameyang – 5 – Never looked the part, never got going and never looked like scoring a goal. Real chance to go into to Arsenal folklore but he took a shoddy penalty which made Lloris look like a hero.
Ozil – 6 – No time to find a rhythm, needed to come on earlier. Arrived before the equaliser and the stop, start nature of the game and Spurs pressing never suited him.
Torriera – 7 – Will consider himself unlucky to be sent off and should ask the club to fight the decision. Good, solid tackle that took the ball but offended the ref.
Solid performance, gave the midfield something extra when he came on.
