Now, that was one heck of a North London Derby.
Passion, drama, a few brawls, a lot of goals, even more Yellow Cards, managers trying to play chess with each other (looked like 5 formations combined were used by the two teams), come controversy, and an electric Emirates Stadium that savored the win well after the finals whistle blew. The win puts Arsenal into 4th place ahead of Tottenham on goal differential.
- I was surprised that the Gunners game-up hot. Tottenham gave the Gunners too much space ont he wings. But, Tottenham fought back. Wegner's Arsenal teams would have collapsed after the 2nd Turkey goal as both were as a result of questionable officiating on dives by Son.
- Leno should have stopped Dier's header on Tottenham's first goal; but, he does a much better job in distribution than Cech. Dier, of course, paid things back when the edge of his sock gave Lacazette's adventurous shot just enough of a push to kiss the inside of the post
- Aubameyang continues to prove that if given good service, more time than not he will score. That's his job and as seen with his second goal, he can do with relish.
- Glad to see Torreira get his first EPL goal, at 22, he is quickly becoming a fan favorite and team favorite as the center of Arsenal's engine.
- Vertonghen had a bad night foolishly threw his hand-up on a set piece gifting a PK for Arsenal and then seemed to forget that he was already carrying a Yellow when he slid in late, cleats-up on Lacazette, he earned a well-deserved early shower.
- Props to Kane, cool on the PK and understanding the tension at that time due to questionable call from the Ref, walked away with minimal celebration to avoid another scrum. He was also one of the players in the scrum separating everyone.
- On the other hand, Son's diving antics need to be penalized, not rewarded. He's not Neymar.
- Ozil missed the game to 'back spasams.' He was not missed. No one, including Emery, could give a straight answer on said injury, where Ozil was (even injured, you figure a good teammate would be on the sideline rooting for his club in a North London Derby match), or when he would be back in the line-up. I hope the Gunner off-load Ozil (rumors indicate Inter Milan) and use that money to keep Ramsey or, should that not be attainable (rumor sis that Real Madrid want Ramsey), Ramsey's replacement, who rumors state could be Lyon's Houssem Aouar (Lyon has a heck of a pipeline considering the players they have sold lately and still remain competitive in Champion's play) or Roma's Cengiz Ünder.
I am hopeful that Arsenal can carry this energy into their mid-week match against Man U on Wednesday. Not long after, Arsenal gates another shot at the Turkeys on the 19th for the Carabao Cup semi at Emeriates. I wonder if both teams will bring in their A-team for this or look to rest some key players.