Tottenham Hotspur earned a point away from home at the Emirates this afternoon in the first North London Derby of the season, coming from behind twice in a thrilling encounter.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:
Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min celebrates after scoring their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 24, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Postecoglou is Unbeaten
The unbeaten start to Postecoglou’s time as Spurs boss continues, despite playing Brentford away, Man United at home, and Arsenal away. Six games into a complete rebuild, that is pretty good going for the new Tottenham head coach!
Record-breaking Sonny
Believe it or not, Heung-min Son became the first Tottenham player to ever score twice in a Premier League North London Derby against Arsenal at the Emirates today (Squawka). No other player in history has managed to net more than one against the Gunners at their own place in the Prem. Nice one, Sonny!
Injury Worries
New signing, Brennan Johnson, pulled up holding his right hamstring while chasing back in the second half, which called time on his full Tottenham debut early. Meanwhile, James Maddison also jarred his knee in a challenge in the second 45 and was down in some discomfort for a few minutes.
The midfielder played on and seemed to be moving comfortably before being taken off for the last 20 minutes. Hopefully, Maddison’s does not swell and develop after the final whistle. Johnson’s looks likely to be a little time on the sidelines.
Brave Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou was right! Tottenham really didn’t change their principles just because they were playing away to Arsenal. Even after some nervy moments for the likes of Bissouma and Udogie in the first 20 minutes, Spurs refused to change. And, you know what? They looked good!
Some of that passing out from the back was incredibly dangerous, but more often than not Tottenham did it to such a high standard. Going to the Emirates and bossing possession for the majority of the match is not easy, especially for such a young team at the very start of a rebuild.
Special Mention – Destiny Udogie
I wanted to take a moment to praise Destiny Udogie. Up against one of the best wingers in the league in Bukayo Saka, Udogie has a nightmare of a first 30 minutes. Saka was toying with him at times, and then Udogie went into the book and also almost gifted Arsenal a goal with a sloppy backpass.
It would have been easy for such a young player to sink into his shell in his first North London Derby after that, or for Postecoglou to feel as though he had to take him off. But Udogie stuck to his task, defended superbly, and added so much to the build-up and attack throughout the 90 minutes. That is not easy for any player to do, let alone a 20-year-old.
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