The derby had everything to talk about. Both the teams were coming in after defeats in their previous encounters. Tottenham had lost to West Ham whereas Arsenal were coming in after a loss to Swansea. Three points for either of the teams would have ensured that they catch up with the leaders as the league enters into a decisive stage. A 2-2 draw at the end of the stipulated 90 mins would probably be a fair result to say the least, with regrets for both the sides nonetheless. Here are three things that we learnt from the match:
A wild oscillating match
It was a derby in the truest sense, both in name and nature. A match where in both the teams must have left White Hart Lane with a sense of joy and pain at the same time. It was a pulsating derby as the Gunners went ahead thanks to an Aaron Ramsey goal in the 38th minute with an improvisational flick. Arsenal were looking relatively comfortable until Francis Coquelin’s foul on Kane rightly brought him his second yellow, barely 10 minutes into the second half. And the game turned on its head.
Following Harry Kane’s spectacular strike that was preceded by Toby Alderweireld’s 60th-minute equaliser, it seemed that Spurs would walk away with all 3 vital points until a moment of individual brilliance from Alexis Sanchez in the 75th minute ensured that they draw level. An oscillating match where the pendulum swung both sides, but none able to make the most of it, a draw can therefore be termed as a fair result.
Both teams need to re-access their strategies before respective European stage matches
Today’s goal against Hotspur was Sanchez’s first since he last scored a goal in league since Oct 11, 2015. This would have certainly pleased Arsene Wenger as they travel to Camp Nou in another 10 days’ time looking to turnover a deficit of 2 goals. However following Coquelin’s red card, Arsene would definitely want to have a look into this aspect as something similar at Camp Nou would lead to dire consequences with the marauding MSN trio up front.
On the other hand Tottenham are travelling to Dortmund for their first leg of Europa Round of 16 and their inability to kill the match despite having a one man advantage is something that would be of concern for Mauricio Pochettino. Both the teams need to re-look into their strategies if they have to proceed further in their respective European conquest.
EPL is still wide open, with Leicester marginally ahead
A draw at North London derby is the best thing that Claudio Ranieri’s men would have hoped for and later they ensured that they capitalize onto it as a 0-1 win away from home at Vicarage Road widened their lead to 5 points. It was expected that the Foxes would drop points and come down the rankings and although they have lost couple of points recently, when it comes to the standings they are still on top. Fortune favours the brave they say and looking at how things are transpiring, it does look like that The Foxes might lift the trophy, come this May.
If indeed they manage to secure the title before 15th May, it would be a sight to behold with the current defending Champions aka Chelsea giving them a Guard of Honour in the final match of the season in what can be termed as a fairy-tale ending for Leicester. That said the EPL race is still open with Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City all capable of winning the league wherein they need to grab all the opportunities with both hands as and when they get it.