Team News
[coach 307] made three changes to his side that won against [team 602]. Surprisingly, talisman and captain [player 31739] was benched by Arteta due to ‘disciplinary reasons.’ Lacazette came in and was handed the armband. Emile Smith Rowe replaced [player 1317], and [player 1899] made way for [player 1362].
Tottenham made six changes after the win against [team 674] in the [league 5]. Three of the back four were changed as [player 3884], [player 380886], and [player 988] came in. [player 1744] replaced Sissoko with [player 95998] and Bale coming in for Alli and Lamela.
[team 6] were on three consecutive wins coming into the Derby and were looking to create a new record of the longest unbeaten run against the Gunners. Besides, a top-four place was looking possible after their winning run, and a win at the Emirates would increase the possibility for [coach 455375]’s men.
First-Half
[team 19] started the game well and took the game to Tottenham, who didn’t start the game with similar energy. Arsenal were winning the second balls, and Tottenham were under pressure. Arsenal created some excellent chances but failed to convert them.
Tottenham’s counter-attacking threat was being handled well by Partey’s game reading ability. However, Spurs were gradually growing into the game as Arsenal just kept missing chances. [player 1494446] was excellently combining with Tierney, whose runs were a big part of Arsenal’s offensive threat.
Tottenham’s Korean star [player 4313] had to go off through injury as Lamela came on. The Argentine then scored against the run of play with a brilliantly executed Rebona. It was a rare Spurs attack, and as soon as the ball found its way to [player 941], his improvised finish was top-class. Out of nowhere, Spurs had the lead. However, Arsenal’s tactics didn’t change as they kept coming with pace and precision. What they needed was slightly more efficiency in front of the goal.
Just a minute before the half-time, Arsenal had another attack involving their emerging left-back Tierney. The Scotland international picked out an excellent pass for [player 26823]; his deflected effort was in the net.
After all the great chances Arsenal had, being level on the scoreline was poor on their part. More efficiency was required in the second half.
As for Spurs, a lot more thrust was needed all over the pitch. Their main man [player 997] touched the ball inside Arsenal’s box on just one occasion. This shows the lack of effect Tottenham’s midfield was having offensively. They were fortunate to be levelled at half-time after a poor first-half display.
Second-Half
[player 96656] came in for [player 16827155], who reportedly picked up a knock in the first half. Tottenham did respond after the restart as they looked more hungry to win the second balls. [player 99148] started to have more impact, which allowed Spurs to get up the pitch. Still, [player 251]and Kane were struggling to get into the game.
Arsenal started to get control again, and Spurs needed more energy in the middle of the park. As a result, [player 1380] replaced Bale and Ndomebele shifted to a more attacking position. Just after that, Ndombele made way for [player 922] as Jose tried to insert more enthusiasm into his midfield.
However, Arsenal’s control was increasing, and Tottenham were on the back foot. Eventually, Arsenal’s pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty for a four by [player 26294] on Lacazette. A VAR review followed, but it didn’t overturn the decision. However, it was a tight decision, and if the initial decision weren’t given, then VAR wouldn’t have overruled it either. This is due to the fact that referee Micheal Olivier didn’t make a clear and obvious error according to the VAR.
The penalty was converted well by [player 95334] as Arsenal took a deserved lead. A few minutes after the goal, Lamela picked up a yellow card for a reckless sliding challenge. Incredibly, just seven minutes later, he picked up a second yellow for elbowing Tierney. A player who is known for his lack of discipline struggled to keep it down in a derby.
Tottenham kept pushing for the equalizer and had some genuinely good chances. Harry Kane’s long-range free-kick effort hit the bar. The ball then found its way to Sanchez, whose effort was cleared by [player 97811] as [player 31342] was strangled to the ground. Kane then scored a header from a wide free-kick delivery, but the assistant rightly put the flag up for offside.
Tottenham failed to find a way to score the second after a poor performance in the Derby. Arsenal deservedly winning after a hungry and enthusiastic performance despite having their talisman on the bench.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16943077]
Eye-Catching Performers
Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Arguably, Arsenal’s best player this season, [player 172960], had another outstanding game against Tottenham. He didn’t only provide the assist for his side’s first goal, but his all-round display was solid.
The 23-year-old Scotsman completed 38 passes, including 2 key passes, 1 cross as well as 6 long balls. With his energetic attitude and pace, Tierney also won 9 ground duels. He also completed 2 dribbles. Defensively he was solid as well, completing 1 interception and a fantastic 6 tackles.
Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Another fabulous performance came from [player 186370]. His thrust, anticipation as well as footballing ability allowed Arsenal to dominate the midfield. He was influential in Arsenal’s attempts to stop Tottenham’s well-known counter-attacks.
Partey completed 2 key passes, 4 long balls and 2 dribbles. He won 9 duels in total and was fouled on 3 occasions. On the defensive side, the 27-year-old recorded 1 interception and completed 3 tackles.
