Ange Postecoglou has already transformed Tottenham with Arsenal comeback
All square at Arsenal, with one side much happier about it. Everyone else would at least have been greatly entertained by it. This was yet another north London derby that swung back and forth in such absorbing fashion to add to its archive of classic games but, once it settled into a 2-2 draw, it was Tottenham celebrating more. They have been given huge encouragement for the future, after displaying adventure and resilience in a match many might not have considered them quite ready for. That is the effect of Ange Postecoglou, which was all the more impressive given how Arsenal had posed the most testing questions for the first half-hour. Mikel Arteta’s side, however, might again be feeling the effects of a title race with Manchester City. They already find themselves four points behind by 24 September, and with the champions to come here in two weeks. That might be without Declan Rice, who went off with a calf injury that proved decisive. If it is again ludicrous to be talking about this at such an early stage, just as it was with the victory over Manchester United, these are the stakes of the Premier League right now. This is maybe the state of the Arsenal team right now, so promising but still missing a few elements. One is depth, as could be seen with how easy their defence was to get at for both of Son Heung-Min’s goals. Another is real extra-level quality in attack. For all that this draw ultimately came down to Arsenal failing to keep their lead, a large part of that was the encouragement Spurs enjoyed from their attack being able to extend it. It already raises the question over whether they will go big in January. They could have had a substantial lead here. That is what will be so frustrating. Spurs and Postecoglou, however, were rewarded for their bravery. That could well be a theme going forward. It has already been a theme of the season, as Spurs again defied expectations. They shouldn’t have been ready for this north London derby against a side that finished second last season. They were instead prepared to pounce on any Arsenal slip. That is what this whole game amounted to. Arsenal could really have killed the game before any semblance of a contest had even developed. It was set up for them. Postecoglou’s approach initially seemed rather naive given how nascent his team is, and it left Destiny Udogie constantly exposed on the left. Saka consistently had 15 metres of space around him and it of course wasn’t long until he made use of that. Having turned Udogie again, Saka saw the space open up and looked to curl the ball into the far corner. Romero intervened and turned it into the near corner. Arsenal were by that point in complete control and had the chance to take full command. Gabriel Jesus couldn’t seize it, though, blazing one key effort over. It does perhaps raise one of the final questions in the formation of this Arsenal team. Are they still lacking that finisher? Jesus is a brilliant link forward but he lacks that ruthlessness. It allowed Spurs back in. To give Postecoglou his due, though, they also forced their way back in. With the manner that Saka had got at Guglielmo Vicario’s defence in the opening half-hour, the Spurs manager could have been forgiven for altering formation and tightening up. He did the opposite. In a move that feels like it’s going to be symbolic about what is to come under Postecoglou, he doubled down, ensuring his left flank always had at least two in attack rather than defence. It started to make trouble for Arsenal, and made the difference. In a five-minute flurry, Brennan Johnson forced two big saves from David Raya - one of them a brilliantly instinctive response, that Mikel Arteta will feel vindicated his decision - before Spurs eventually forced their way in. This was a turnaround in more ways than one. It was suddenly Saka given a tough time as James Maddison so easily got around him to set up Son. It was not the last time that the duo made such a testing occasion look easy. Before then, though, Arsenal had contrasting developments. Declan Rice went off with a calf injury. Saka scored a penalty from a Romero handball. Both contributed to what next. With Arsenal seeming like they were still celebrating the goal, and substitute Jorginho so casual on the ball, Maddison just stepped up and took it off. It was reminiscent of the way Germany just cut through Brazil in that 7-1 in how simple it was, which was all the more surprising given Arsenal were apparently in a relatively secure position. They were anything but. Son was put clean through, almost no one around him, to just slide the ball past Raya for his second. Spurs didn’t quite settle for that but Arsenal did ensure they couldn’t set foot beyond the halfway much late on. For all the pressure, though, there was no big chance. There was no difference-maker to bring on. Arteta threw on Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith-Rowe but both felt hopeful shows of faith rather than any display of superiority. So it proved. It was an early-season derby that may say a lot about both for the season - and potentially influence a lot. Read More Arsenal vs Tottenham result and player ratings as Son Heung-min and James Maddison lead Spurs fightback Son Heung-min and James Maddison lead Tottenham response to claim Arsenal point Phil Foden admits Rodri will be a ‘big miss’ during his three-match suspension Pep Guardiola unhappy at Rodri for red card in Man City win
2023-09-24 23:53
Suárez drives in run in club record 10th straight game as Mariners beat Angels 9-7 in slugfest
Seattle’s Eugenio Suárez provided the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and set a franchise record with his 10th straight game with an RBI as the Mariners defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 Friday night in a slugfest where the teams combined for seven home runs
2023-08-05 13:16
Man Rushes Stage During Drew Barrymore Event in New York City
Drew Barrymore was having a conversation with Reneé Rapp at the 92nd Street Y on Monday night when someone in the audience decided that he needed to see her at some point and that point was right that moment. The man introduced himself and started walking briskly to the stage before he was intercepted and the duo onstage was quickly ushered off.
2023-08-23 02:56
Gonzalo Pineda hails "outstanding" Atlanta United performance in win over Philadelphia
Atlanta United boss Gonzalo Pineda opted for a different formation in their 2-0 home win over Philadelphia Union.
2023-07-04 05:56
Cubs rumors: Pitcher extension, Japanese FA target, Bellinger replacement idea
In today's Cubs rumors, Chicago looks to extend Kyle Hendricks, a Japanese star boosts the bullpen, and Cody Bellinger's replacement options get revealed.
2023-10-23 23:59
Ramírez, Naylor homer on consecutive pitches in the Guardians' 6-1 win over the Royals
José Ramírez and Josh Naylor homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning, powering the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals
2023-07-07 11:59
Referees at fault for Luis Diaz blunder removed from Premier League appointments
The referees who disallowed Luis Diaz's goal against Tottenham have been removed from further Premier League appointments in gameweek seven.
2023-10-01 18:16
Ian Happ just helped prove why the Cubs need to extend Marcus Stroman
Ian Happ will be manning the outfield at Wrigley Field for the foreseeable future. He just might help make the case for Marcus Stroman to stay, too.Early this season, the Chicago Cubs inked a three-year extension with Ian Happ worth over $60 million to keep him at Wrigley Field for the immediate...
2023-06-16 22:23
Wales to host South Korea in September friendly
Wales will play South Korea at home in a September friendly. It will be the first time the two nations have met at senior men’s level and will take place at Cardiff City Stadium on September 7, four days before Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia. South Korea, who are captained by Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, reached the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Former Germany and United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann was appointed South Korea head coach in February. “Many teams are tied up in Europe with qualifiers and it’s not always easy to get strong opposition during the few occasions we get the chance to play friendlies,” said Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales. “So to have the likes of Son Heung-min – Ben Davies’ teammate at Spurs – and many other high quality players coming to Cardiff is great for us. “They had a really good World Cup getting to the knockout stage and it’s important we keep testing ourselves against different styles of football. “South Korea offers us a really interesting chance to do that, and I’m sure we’ll have another great crowd to cheer on Cymru before the ‘Red Wall’ head for Riga a few days later.” Wales plan to play an October friendly against Gibraltar at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground. A March 2019 friendly against Trinidad and Tobago is the only time Wales men’s senior team have played at the Racecourse – the world’s oldest international football stadium that still hosts matches – over the last 15 years. Wales manager Rob Page announces his squad on Tuesday for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey having taken four points from their opening two games in March. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-05-29 15:22
Wellalage effort in vain as India beat Sri Lanka to reach Asia Cup final
Kuldeep Yadav starred as India overcame a brilliant all-round effort from Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage to win a tense Asia Cup clash by 41 runs on Tuesday and...
2023-09-13 02:55
Should Alabama jump Texas in College Football Playoff rankings after beating UGA?
The Alabama Crimson Tide broke the internet (and the standings) with an SEC championship victory over Georgia. But, can they surpass Texas?
2023-12-03 09:27
UFC's Sean Strickland: Women Shouldn't Vote, Should Be Out of the Workforce, In the Kitchen
Sean Strickland said women shouldn't vote and should be out of the workforce and in the kitchen.
2023-06-29 07:48
You Might Like...
NHL top prospect Connor Bedard draws comparisons to Connor McDavid as draft approaches
Man United fans hope Garnacho is their next superstar. Ten Hag is more cautious about the teenager
Tottenham join race for Blackburn's Adam Wharton
Scotland's Graham at the double against Italy in Rugby World Cup warm-up
Iowa tight end Erick All, Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai leave with injuries in first half
San Francisco's Alex Cobb comes one out from no-hitter in Giants' 6-1 win over Reds
Buccaneers, Saints clash with early edge in NFC South race at stake
Newcastle register interest in Chelsea's Conor Gallagher & Trevoh Chalobah
