Spurs were only the better team for about 20 minutes of this North London Derby, yet that was clearly enough.
Kyle Walker’s first goal for Spurs on a sunny October day was decisive in consigning Arsenal to defeat. England’s right back of the future celebrated with unbridled joy as his 25 yard screamer beat Szcezny to send White Hart Lane into raptures and Spurs held on for the win.
When Rafa Van der Vaart’s beautiful opener gave Spurs a first half lead it appeared that it might give them the impetus to go on and bury a game that Arsenal had until then bossed. Indeed Gareth Bale went close with a 20 yarder but then half time came and Spurs seemed to stall again after the restart.
After a long delay repairing the net before the 2nd half kicked off – why are these things not taken care of during the break?! – it was the Woolwich side who were fired up. Aaron Ramsay gave them hope with an equalizer and they looked for another as Spurs continued to allow them to run the game.
Sandro’s introduction gave Scott Parker – excellent yet again in winning the ball and retaining possession – some much needed muscular back up in midfield yet Spurs still flattered to deceive. It was left to Kyle Walker picking up the pieces from a corner to give Spurs belief. Walker’s strike was pure but the Arsenal keeper will be disappointed not to have dealt with it.
Spurs then had a couple of chances to put the game beyond reach. Most notably from Bale and Kaboul. Bale had a good game and was even more involved once Jenkinson came on for Sagna at right back. One run in particular ended with a shot that looked destined for goal yet somehow ran wide. Younes Kaboul, alongside Ledley King, was excellent throughout, almost unbeatable on the ground or in the air. He nearly followed up his NLD goal last year as he burst out of defence with the ball, exchanged passes with Defoe and charged clear. Szczesny denied him on this occasion but Spurs had still done enough.
Arsenal were encouraged with a few minutes to go as Spurs dropped deeper and deeper. They got even more encouragement when Mike Dean – who might as well have worn an Arsenal shirt today – added 5 minutes at the end of the game. Nevertheless Ledley King marshalled the troops in front of the sure and confident Friedel and the 3 points and North London bragging rights were secured.
For all Arsenal’s dominance of possession they rarely threatened. Assou-Ekotto was back on form and kept Theo Walcott quiet until he was withdrawn. Gervinho gave Kyle Walker more trouble and spurned an absolute sitter in the first half but he and van Persie foundered and against the rocks that are King and Kaboul.
Spurs have played better in the last few years and come away with nothing. To get a win when not playing well is the mark of a top side. All credit to the boys for grinding this one out.
It’s well worth noting that Harry Redknapp now has a winning record against Arsenal in the Premier League as Spurs manager. Despite this blogs reservations about his media presence, all credit must go to him for that. Too many Spurs fans have had to live through a long period of inferiority against Arsenal under Wenger. The tide may well have turned.
North London is ours!!
COYS
Stuart Watts ( @Studub on Twitter )
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Spot on! Although Kaboul did well – he was at fault for the goal. Think Dawson is a better option! (I know you disagree)
u prik dean wearing an arsenal shirt van de fart handballed and should have been sent off like hoddle u r a prik
Steve, got to be you filthy gooner! north london is ours!
Surprised Ant blames Kaboul for the goal. It was just poor team goal to concede. No pressure on cross, VdV and Walker at fault there. Then arsenal players running straight through back line. Poor goal and lucky to get away with it.
Hi Gareth, might have to agree with you there, Looking back, loads more could have been done to stop the cross. I was just annoyed that he positioned himself at the back post expecting a deep cross (when that hadnt happened much all game) and let 2 Arsenal players get in front of him. Steve – NorthLondonIsLilywhite !!
I cant remember a NLD where our Keeper had very little to do “apart from the goal”Friedel never had a save of note to make,yes Arsenal dominated the ball at times but that was mainly down to our own team selection.Rafa scored a great goal “not handball”for me but as many have said already Sandro should’ve started the game next to Parker in a 4-2-3-1,the only thing that will prevent us from gaining CL football this season is tatical know how,but that topic can wait for another day.COYS we are the Godfather of North London=)
Gareth Johnson is right… the blame for conceding the goal needs to be directed at VDV and Walker as well.
Ramsey should have never been given the chance to score in the NLD as he is absolute CRAP.
Good report Stu – and the best thing of course is WE beat them!
I know 5 man midfields are all the rage but playing just one striker and two DMs at home in the NLD against the weakest Arsenal team for 20 years when we are flying high would be way too cautious for a Tottenham team imo.
Anyway we made all the chances and we won and they are sick about it and better still we have ambitions now that go way beyond just winning the NLD.
Newcastle next. COYS.