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Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal met in the final north London derby of the season at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Harry Kane’s penalty cancelled out Aaron Ramsey’s early strike, meaning that the match between these bitter rivals ended in a draw – Spurs’ first of the Premier League campaign so far.
Both sides will have come into this clash desperate for victory but have had to share the spoils, and both managers will probably also feel that their team deserved to win. The game itself showcased a fascinating tactical battle as both sides took very different approaches to the encounter.
Check out the video below for Groundhopping FC’s excellent matchday vlog from the Emirates as Arsenal beat 2-0 Southampton on Sunday…
On the chalkboard
The Gunners were happy to sit deep and seek to contain the hosts from the off. This tactic was a successful one, particularly in the first half. Spurs lacked invention and penetration and struggled to greatly trouble the Arsenal defence. Emery’s side were comfortable and were able to exploit an opportunity to counter attack which led to Ramsey’s goal.
In order for this system to work, though, Emery had to put his faith in every member of his starting XI being disciplined and diligent in their defensive efforts. Of course, of defenders this is expected. Against Spurs, though, the Gunners defended from the front. In this capacity, Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan showed how important they are to this Arsenal squad.
Earning their place
Both Iwobi and Mkhitaryan have had their critics this season, but in Saturday’s crunch derby they both impressed. Not only did they pose a threat to Spurs’ defence but they also stuck dutifully to their own defensive tasks.
The 30-year-old Mkhitaryan worked hard to support Shkodran Mustafi who was playing in an unfamiliar role at right-back. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Iwobi worked well with full-back Nacho Monreal on the left flank.
Mkhitaryan and Iwobi produced hard-working, committed performances on Saturday and both fully justified their inclusion in the starting XI.
Arsenal fans may not always like seeing the pair on the team-sheet ahead of more talented but less industrious players like Mesut Ozil, but Emery was well and truly spot on with his team selection on this occasion.
