Relief for Gooners as battling Spurs are denied derby win

After the depressing loss to West Brom last Sunday, most Spurs’ fans would have taken a point at the Emirates beforehand while Arsenal would have fancied their chances of winning. However, at the end of ninety attritional minutes, during which six Spurs players received yellow cards as they defended resolutely, many gooners left the Emirates just relieved to have denied Spurs a morale boosting victory and bragging rights.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino sprang a surprise by handing Ryan Mason a premier league debut in such an important game. Mason had impressed as a substitute in the Capital One cup victory against Nottingham Forest, however starting against Arsenal is whole different ball game. Pochettino clearly sees something in the lad and is not afraid to play youngsters. Ironically, but perhaps understandably, Eric Dier, who has played well was dropped in favour of the slightly unpopular Kyle Naughton. Along with Harry Kane, Andros Townsend and Nabil Bentaleb, that’s four players that have progressed from the youth team to the first team squad in the last two years. Not bad at all.

Arsenal tend to dominate possession at the Emirates so it was no surprise that they had the majority of possession in this match. However, the Spurs back line defended well. Hugo Lloris made some really good saves at crucial times and Danny Rose tried manfully to contain Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Younes Kaboul put in a real captain’s shift, blocking everything Arsenal threw at him. It was the kind of performance that reminded you of what a brilliant defender Kaboul potentially is. If only he can play like this every weekend, Spurs would have a great centre back on their hands. Etienne Capoue covered as much ground as anyone on the pitch, offering a useful shield to the back four while Ryan mason brought some energy and direct running to Spurs midfield before tiring late on.

The attacking three of Lamela, Eriksson and Chadli all joined in helping Spurs maintain a solid defensive shape which often left Adebayor isolated upfront. I have given Nacer Chadli a lot of stick in the past; mainly because I believe he is capable of so much more than he has shown. He did not have his finest game today, but he showed a willingness to get into attacking positions when Spurs were counter attacking and he took his goal really well. With four goals already this season, he is certainly improving but he has so much more in his locker. Eriksson was once again subdued. He has not hit the heights of last season and it’s hard to tell if he is just struggling for form or struggling to find his way in Pochettino’s new system. Lamela on the other hand continues to show great promise. He covered more ground than any other player, he was always showing for the ball and although not everything he tries comes off, he never stops trying to create. He created Chadli’s goal with a superb pass into his path. Unfortunately, his hashed clearance contributed to Arsenal’s equaliser. He is getting better though and that is promising for Spurs.

All in all, Pochettino, looking very dapper in his club suit will be satisfied with his team’s performance. Spurs lost three times against Arsenal last season and are not yet firing on all cylinders this term. One of the measures of success this season will be Pochettino’s record against the top four rivals and it did not start well having lost already at home to Liverpool. So to get a point with a tactically astute performance would have satisfied him as he continues to impose his playing philosophy on this team. His opposite number, Arsene Wenger looked rather less dapper, was desperate not to lose this derby and his relief at the goal which salvaged a point was obvious. However, Wenger has outlasted eleven different Spurs managers. If Pochettino outlasts the Arsenal manager, it is highly likely he would have been a success at Spurs.

Next up for Poch after a midweek Europa league clash with Besiktas, a date with his former club, Southampton who despite a more chaotic transfer window than Spurs, have made a better start and are playing quite well as they sit second in the premiership. White Hart Lane would also get a good look at Morgan Schneiderlin, a player Poch tried hard to sign during the transfer window, but is now playing out of his skin. Should be an interesting reunion