Kevin Whitcher
It was a draw that felt more like a victory, as is the way when a team comes from behind. Nevertheless, whether Arsenal had taken the lead and lost it or the other way round, it was two points at home sacrificed. I recall in winning the title in 2001-02 that the Gunners’ record away from home was better than that at Highbury (where they lost three matches), and perhaps it will have to be that way this season if Arsene Wenger is to defy his critics and win the Premier League for the first time in 12 years. Manchester City’s surprising draw at Villa afforded Arsenal the opportunity to gain two precious points over City and move into top spot. However, it has been a season of twists and turns already, and inevitably, there will be more to come. The question for Arsenal is how they respond to setbacks.
There was a feeling that the team looked tired yesterday. I looked at the Spurs side that faced Anderlecht on Thursday night. Certainly, they were at home, however, they played 24 hours later than Arsenal. Eight of the players that started at the Lane began the game yesterday. So I don’t buy greater fatigue as a reason for the relatively low key display by the home side, unless you believe Pocchetino has rotated more since August, which I am uncertain he has.
Whether Santi Cazorla was carrying an injury or simply removed at the interval because more bite was required in midfield, I do not know. One thing is for sure though. He has looked a little weary of late, leading to loss of possession in his own half a little too often.
Arsenal did actually start the game fairly brightly, but without creating anything much by way of goal threat. Spurs gradually took control by harrying their hosts deep in their own half and not allowing the Gunners to establish much by way of rhythm. They then created their own chances and long before Arsenal finally got into gear deep in the second half, the game could have been out of sight with more clinical finishing. Harry Kane did score from one of his chances, as the Arsenal back line failed to keep a straight line and played him onside. It was intriguing to actually hear arch loyalist Bob Wilson pin the blame on Koscielny for the error during his half time interview, although there was no denying he was the guilty man. Opinions vary wildly as to the abilities of the Frenchman. Some think he is a class defender, others a liability. For what it’s worth, I am uncertain he is strong enough in the air and positionally suspect. A case of could do better, although he has had some great moments.
Over the 90 minutes, I would say Spurs were the better team. Pocchetino set them up with a gameplan and it worked. With a more in-form striker, they would be top of the league, given they have lost a solitary match so far. The Argentinian has got a lot more out of his team than you would think possible. He has taken a year to get to this point, but once he settles on the players he requires to carry out his tactics, his methods seem to work. It isn’t good to watch another side demonstrate cynicism against Arsenal, but at times, it was highly effective. Pocchetino is more worried about winning than the method used, but at times, his sides can play watchable football. Spurs’ biggest worry, if they continue to progress, is losing him to a bigger club in Spain or Italy.
Arsenal, on occasion, have pressed with the same kind of intensity as Tottenham displayed yesterday, but not often enough. Only when the visitors started to tire, and more space developed, did they seriously start to look like they were in the match. The substitution of Gibbs for Campbell proved inspired, not least because the number 3’s fresh legs invigorated the team. Giroud missed a couple of headers one would like to think he could have scored from, but in the end, pressure told with Gibbs finding the net from Ozil’s sublime cross.
Kudos for Petr Cech, who pulled off a couple of fine saves. Ultimately, it was a game that we should be grateful Arsenal took something from, and that it did not mean losing ground in the title race. In a sense, the international break has come at the right time in terms of allowing more players to return from injury, although one always fears for those that have been called up. And critically, it is good not to go into that break on the back of a demoralizing defeat.
Arsenal did not play well, and whether you want to blame fatigue or their tactics, by the end of the match, most of the home crowd were happy enough with the point. The Gunners could have even nicked it at the death, but it was not to be.
As for the fate of the toilets in the away section, this is nothing new, and has been going on since anyone can remember, even at Highbury. There is a simple agreement between the two clubs that any damage is paid for by Tottenham (and vice versa for any incidents at the Lane). I think Arsenal probably aren’t too fussed as it means they will never have to pay themselves to replace any fittings in the loos in that section of the ground through natural wear and tear. I would not be surprised if, weeks ago, contractors were booked to come in today. Like night follows day, some things are just inevitable. Spurs fans smashing up the toilets at Arsenal certainly comes under that category. Let’s hope Arsenal finishing above Tottenham in the league remains another.
Just a quick note to mention that we are recording the November Gooner podcast this evening. Our panelists will be Simon Rose, Layth Yousif and David Oudot. If you have any topics or questions you wish the panel to debate, and get a namecheck in the process, please either…
Email them to [email protected]
Tweet them to @GoonerPodcast
or just leave them in the comments below this article. Thanks.
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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