Arsenal and Tottenham played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Sunday. Hary Kane scored the equalizer from the spot, 6 minutes after the beginning of the second half. Kevin Wimmer had given the Gunners the lead in the 42nd minute when he converted Ozil’s free-kick beyond his goalie.
As expected, Bellerin, Monreal and Walcott returned to Arsenal’s starting eleven but there was no place for Santi Cazorla who is yet to recover from an injury. Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi had the best chance in the 1st half to put the red half of North London ahead but his shot was a tame one to Lloris. When was the last time Iwobi scored for Arsenal? He needs to learn how to score. Too easy a goal to miss.
Theo Walcott powerful shot hit the woodwork minutes before Arsenal grabbed their opener. Ozil lofted in a free-kick and poor Kevin Wimmer could do nothing than to guide the ball beyond Lloris. Every wants to be assisted by Mesut Ozil – including the opposition. Did you see Coquelin’s celebration? What a fan.
The second half was white. Koscielny fouled Dembele in the box to award a penalty to Tottenham. Kane made no mistake as he sent Cech the wrong way to draw Spurs level. They kept knocking but were denied. The introduction of Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud had little impact. There were half chances not converted. Giroud’s header went straight to Lloris hands.
Spurs had a chance to grab the winner but Eriksen’s free-kick bounced through the crowd in the box, before hitting the post and off.
Wenger felt the penalty was harsh and Wanyama was lucky not to see red.
Yes. We were a bit unlucky with the penalty decision. I think the penalty was harsh. It didn’t look dangerous to score, it didn’t look a deliberate foul. After, even speaking to some referees they say you can give it, you can not give it, so personally, being manager of Arsenal Football Club, I prefer not to give it.
He was very lucky to stay on the pitch today [because of] a few fouls, the elbows on Walcott for example, but the referee makes the decisions. We have to cope with that and to deal with that. Still, nobody stopped us from scoring a second goal which is what we didn’t do.
In other Premier League games, Liverpool went haywire over Watford with a 6-1 victory. Manchester United didn’t need Jose Mourinho on the bench as they went to Swansea and conquered them 3-1 with a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a stunner from Paul Pogba. Zlatan has been credited with the 25,000th goal in the Premier League. Leicester City lost 1-2 at home to Westbrom.
On Saturday, Manchester City were held 1-1 at home by Middlesbrough, David Moyes got his 1st league victory for Sunderland in a 2-1 away win at Bournemouth with Nigeria’s Victor Anichebe on the score-sheet. Westham and Stoke shared the spoils at the Olympic Stadium. Burnley were 3-2 better than Crystal Palace and Chelsea were 5-0 winners over Everton.
Liverpool are top of the table going to the international break with 24 points. Chelsea are 2nd with 23 points, City and Arsenal are 3rd and 4th with 22points, separated by goal difference.
International matches are next. Walcott and Wilshere have been invited by Southgate but my mind is on Nigeria vs Algeria.
Enjoy
SoccerGunz 