One could tell from Maddison’s body language on Sunday that he was relishing the chance to play in what was his first North London Derby, with the 26-year-old continuing to take responsibility and demand the ball even after he made mistakes.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The attacking midfielder once again proved the difference for Tottenham in the final third, creating both of Son Heung-min’s goals with two excellent pieces of play.

The South Korean shushed the home crowd after his equaliser towards the end of the first half, which Spurs fans loved to see.

Captain Son shushing the Arsenal fans.

I absolutely love this man pic.twitter.com/0PXfn5X6BC

— 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 (@MarkTHFC7) September 24, 2023

Maddison was toying with the Arsenal supporters

It turns out that Maddison himself had a bit of fun with the Arsenal fans after the first-half equaliser.

The former Leicester City man was seen celebrating in front of the Gunners supporters and when a bottle came his way, landing towards his feet, he seemed to exaggerate his steps before turning to face the crowd and smiling.

Watch Maddison’s reaction by clicking here

Spurs Web Opinion

The way Son and Maddison were giving it to the Emirates crowd was brilliant to see and it showed that both players understood just what this game means to Tottenham fans.

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Arsenal have had no issues beating Spurs at home over the last few years and even though the Lilywhites had made an impressive start to the campaign, Gunners supporters were seemingly expecting a straight-forward win on Sunday.

In fact, Paul Merson even predicted that Ange Postecoglou’s men would end up being battered 5-1 if they took to take the game to the home side (Sportskeeda).

However, that is exactly what Tottenham did, showing no fear and sticking to their game plan of playing out from the back even when they gave the ball away in dangerous situations on a couple of occasions.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Senegalese midfielder #29 Pape Matar Sarr (L) vies with Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (C) 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)

Tottenham made the Arsenal crowd nervous

Wright admitted that Spurs made Arsenal look very vulnerable at the back every time they played through their press.

The Gunners legend said on Wrighty’s House podcast: “I think that the way that Spurs answered back so swiftly when they scored and showing what they can do once they break that first press of ours, we look very, very vulnerable. Spurs made us look vulnerable, I felt quite nervous and you could feel it in the crowd.

“The finish [for the first goal] is excellent. But again, when we’re dealing with someone like James Maddison. I thought that he was pretty quiet, I thought Declan [Rice] was kind of patrolling him, he didn’t have the influence on the game in the way he was doing it until Declan went off.

“You see the space open up for him even more, but I just thought that he was someone that I thought, ‘Oh my god, we need to do something about Maddison’, even though he was involved in both goals. I just felt that he was somebody that you’re just always quite afraid of.”

Spurs Web Opinion

A lot of Arsenal fans were extremely arrogant before the game, suggesting that not a single Tottenham player would get into their eleven and that they would win quite comfortably.

So, it was great to see the likes of Maddison, Bissouma, Son and Udogie demonstrating on Sunday that they were better than their Arsenal counterparts.

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The moment that Seaman is referring to happened midway into the first half, just minutes after Arsenal had taken the lead.

When Guglielmo Vicario played his goal kick to Maddison’s feet, the 26-year-old decided to take a touch inside the box and had no idea that Jesus was closing him down.

Thankfully for Spurs, the Arsenal striker blazed over the bar, and the Gunners were punished for not taking that chance as Tottenham drew level towards the end of the half, with Maddison playing a key role in the equaliser.

(Photo by Visionhaus)

Could Maddison have seen red if Jesus went down?

Seaman has now said that had Jesus gone down after winning the ball, the referee might have been forced to hand the home side a penalty and show a red card to the Spurs midfielder.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper said on the Seaman Says podcast: “If you look at it as a pro, he could have gone down and got the guy sent off because there was a tackle on him which could have been given as a penalty but then he knew he had a really good chance and just tried to smash it. Normally he’s more clinical than that, I don’t know why he went for pace.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have no idea what Seamen is talking about. Having watched the incident back, Maddison does not even touch Jesus after the Brazilian won the ball off him.

The only potential red card incident in the game occurred in the second half when Eddie Niketia went flying in extremely late with his boot raised on Vicario.

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Although Spurs went into the game level on points with their North London rivals and had arguably played the better football in the first five league games of the season, most pundits had backed the Gunners to win comfortably on Sunday (talkSPORT).

That was perhaps due to Tottenham’s poor record at the Emirates Stadium allied with the fact that many expect Mikel Arteta’s side to be Manchester City’s closest challengers again for the Premier League title.

However, Spurs not only emerged with a deserved point from the game but they did so while refusing to abandon their style of play.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Spurs went above and beyond Neville’s expectations

The Lilywhites also showed plenty of character as they went behind twice in the game, only to hit back quickly on both occasions, with Neville admitting that he was surprised by the steel that Ange Postecoglou’s men showed.

The pundit said on The Gary Neville Podcast after the 2-2 draw: “I’ll be honest with you today before the game I thought Arsenal were going to win. I thought Arsenal were going to win this match.

“I thought they would win quite comfortably, I thought the quality difference would be too big and I thought we’d see a little bit of the old Spurs in respect of when it really gets tough we’ll see them be overwhelmed and we haven’t done.

“So, I’m pleasantly surprised sat here tonight. I don’t re-write history, I didn’t say that before the game. But the reality is that’s how I felt.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was fearing the worst before the game and felt that there was a chance that we would get ripped apart if we committed bodies forward. 

It seemed like the game was heading that way in the first 30 minutes as our players looked quite nervous and were making some poor mistakes while building out from the back.

However, we were excellent once we grew into the encounter and controlled large parts of the second half.

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A tense and entertaining derby played out between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both sides went into the game with an unbeaten start to the league season, and both managed to retain that record after a 2-2 draw.

It was a difficult day for Spurs defender Cristian Romero, however. In the first half, he scored an own goal, after sticking out a leg to deflect a Bukayo Saka shot past Guglielmo Vicario. 

In the second half, Romero was penalised for a handball in the box after blocking a Ben White effort from close range. Saka duly converted the resulting spot kick to give Arsenal the lead, albeit a brief one.

Tottenham boss, Ange Postecoglou, spoke after the game about his confusion regarding the rules when it comes to handball (Football.London).

Tottenham Hotspur’s Senegalese midfielder #29 Pape Matar Sarr (L) vies with Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (C) 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)

Handball was the right call, says Dermot Gallagher

One man who should know the rules is former referee, Dermot Gallagher. Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Gallagher confirmed giving the penalty was the right decision.

He said: “Does Romero use his arms to balance, I would say yes. But his arms are out, it strikes his arm, and blocks the ball going in.

“He may feel he’s unlucky, but actually he’s really fortunate that Yves Bissouma is behind him, because he could have been sent off otherwise as that ball was going in.”

Correct decision

Dermot Gallagher says Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty for a Cristian Romero handball. pic.twitter.com/fX6xf5R62D

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 25, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

There is literally no other way for Cristian Romero to have put himself in the way of the ball as a defender there. He had to go for it, as a natural instinct, and his arm is purely for balance.

From that distance and speed, you cannot punish a defender for the ball hitting the arm. But it’s done now and we have to accept the decision. 

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Ahead of the North London Derby, many pundits had written off Tottenham, suggesting that Ange Postecoglou’s men could be brought down crashing to earth after their impressive start to the season (talkSPORT).

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)

In fact, the likes of Paul Merson even suggested that the home side would take Spurs to the cleaners if they tried at attack, with the pundit backing Mikel Arteta’s men to emerge 5-1 winners (Sportskeeda).

However, it was Arsenal and their supporters who got a dose of reality check from this new-look Tottenham team, who emerged out of the game with a deserved 2-2 draw.

Yves Bissouma wanted even more from the Emirates

The away side were in full control of the encounter for large parts, particularly in the second half, with Bissouma once again proving key to Spurs winning the midfield battle.

The 27-year-old has now taken to Instagram to insist that Tottenham were disappointed at failing to win at the Emirates.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YB8 (@yves_bissouma)

Spurs Web Opinion

I was disappointed with Bissouma’s first-half display as I felt he was hiding a bit. Not only did he not show for the ball on multiple occasions but he often preferred to take the easy option even when the space opened up for him to carry it.

However, the second-half performance was much more like the Bissouma we know. He was excellent defensively and the Arsenal midfielders struggled to cope with the attention of him and Pape Sarr.

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Tottenham did look a little shaky in the first 30 minutes of the encounter as they made a few errors while trying to play out from the back.

When the Gunners took the lead via an own goal from Cristian Romero, it looked like it was once again going to be the same old story at the Emirates.

However, the away side really started imposing themselves on the encounter towards the end of the first half and drew level courtesy of Son, who produced an excellent first-time finish into the far corner after some wonderful play from James Maddison down the left.

The Lilywhites suffered another setback at the start of the second half when the away side was awarded a penalty, which Bukayo Saka converted, but they once again did not let their heads drop.

They drew level a minute later, with Maddison and Son combining to excellent effect once again.

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)

Sol Campbell actually compliments Spurs duo

In the end, Tottenham came away with a well-deserved draw, and Campbell was particularly impressed with the away side’s opener.

He told Premier League Productions (24/09/23 at 2:55 pm): “Great cut-back from Maddison for Son. Fantastic and delightful finish from Son.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The composure Son showed for both goals was what makes him a world-class finisher. Even top strikers tend to panic when they get such chances in big matches, particularly if they have a lot of time to think, but the South Korean just always has complete clarity on what he is going to do.

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A highly entertaining North London derby was played out at the Emirates Stadium yesterday afternoon, with both sides taking a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

A Cristian Romero own goal gave the home side the lead before Heung-min Son stuck away an equaliser late in the first half.

A contentious penalty was then awarded to Arsenal in the second half, to be converted by Bukayo Saka, but Son pulled Spurs level a little over a minute later.

Plenty of goalmouth action was to be had in the feisty affair, and there were plenty of bookings handed out, too.

Spurs had yellow cards brandished at Romero, Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr, and Yves Bissouma, while the Gunners picked up cautions for Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Eddie Nketiah.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur gives the team instructions during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nketiah could have seen red against Tottenham

Nketiah lunged into a challenge on Spurs goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario and, if he had mistimed it any more than he already did, could have seriously hurt the Italian stopper. Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily) on the matter, Dermot Gallagher had this to say.

“Why would you make a challenge like that? I don’t think he can win the ball, that’s the thing. If he got a red card there, I don’t think he can argue. He’s been really, really lucky. He doesn’t have to make that challenge, and luckily he hasn’t caught [Vicario] full-on.

“If you see, he actually just misses his leg. If he had took his leg, [Nketiah would] be in big, big trouble, as would the goalkeeper… it was referred to VAR and they decided the referee made the right call.”

“If he got a red card there, I don’t think he can argue. He’s been really, really lucky.”

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Eddie Nketiah could have well been sent off against Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/J4veQYrFPI

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 25, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

I cannot believe this was only a yellow card. It shouldn’t matter whether his intention was to win the ball or whether he made contact with Vicario enough to hurt him, the fact is Nketiah has dived into a big challenge and has no control. As a result he has seriously endangered another player and has to be shown a red.

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The Emirates Stadium hosted a highly competitive derby today with both sides taking a point apiece from the game in a 2-2 draw.

Destiny Udogie has enjoyed a fine start to his Spurs career so far. However, he had the unenviable task of dealing with Arsenal’s star player, Bukayo Saka today in what proved to be his first real test of the season.

Saka ended the game with one goal and also played a part in his side’s first goal when his shot was deflected past Guglielmo Vicario by Cristian Romero.

The England international had the better of his opponent, for the first half at least, but Udogie came back strong in the second half and eventually managed to keep the Arsenal man quiet.

Despite a shaky start, and a booking for his troubles, Udogie can leave the game with his head held high, after yet another encouraging display from the youngster. 

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Postecoglou is happy with Destiny Udogie

Speaking to the press (via Football.London), Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou explained why he was happy with his full-back’s performance in the game.

He said: “I thought both our full-backs had difficult jobs today. Arsenal have outstanding wide players but they dealt with it. 

“Destiny picked up a yellow card but I felt he dealt with it well and ended up as the dominant player on that side. It will have been a great learning experience for him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was a little bit worried about Udogie in the first half and when he picked up a yellow card, I thought he may end up getting substituted (or worse, sent off). However, he came out in the second half and put in a fantastic performance, effectively nullifying the threat of Arsenal’s main attacker.

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Both Arsenal and Tottenham went into this derby having started the Premier League campaign unbeaten. Neither side has had to give up that record, either, after the London rivals shared the points at the Emirates Stadium in a 2-2 draw.

Spurs captain Heung-min Son twice brought his team back into the game, with two neat finishes in either half.

His first came after James Maddison weaved his way to the byline and fizzed a ball across the six-yard box for Son to convert with a clever touch.

Then, shortly after Arsenal scored a controversial penalty in the second half, Maddison once again provided for Son who slotted the ball past David Raya to equalise.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring a goal 2-2 during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is outstanding, says Postecoglou

Son now has five goals this season, and the newly-appointed captain is clearly leading by example. Ange Postecoglou had this to say about his skipper in his post-match press conference (via Football.London).

“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player. I’ve put him in that nine position now and he just works so hard. His first thought is what’s best for the team and he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish,” Postecoglou said.

“I’m so happy for him. When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders and Romero,” he added.

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s amazing how Sonny seems to be back to his best so quickly, and it really feels like we have got a special player back among our ranks. He is flourishing with this new responsibility and it appears he is at the heart of establishing such a positive vibe within the squad.

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Tottenham visited the Emirates Stadium today for Ange Postecoglou‘s first experience of a North London derby, and came away with their unbeaten league record intact, and a share of the spoils after a 2-2 draw.

Spurs defender Cristian Romero was heavily involved in both Arsenal goals, but will wish he wasn’t. The Argentinian deflected a Bukayo Saka strike past Guglielmo Vicario in the first half to give the Gunners the lead, and was then the victim of a contentious handball decision in the second half.

Lunging to block a Ben White effort on goal, the ball struck Romero’s trailing hand and after a lengthy VAR analysis, referee Robert Jones was sent to the monitor to make up his own mind. Jones pointed to the spot and Saka put away the resulting penalty.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Postecoglou questions the current handball rule

In his post-match press conference (via Football.London), Postecoglou appeared keen to move on from the decision and accept it for what it is. He did, however, suggest the handball rule needs clarifying.

He said: “It seems like sometimes it hits your hand and it’s a penalty and other times it’s not. It is what it is mate, you hope these things even themselves out. Any clarity would be great. I have no idea what a handball is now.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I don’t know what else Cristian Romero could have done there to avoid the penalty. His body was in an absolutely natural position for the movement he made and there was nowhere else he could put his arm. It’s like defenders are no longer allowed to defend their goal at all.

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Naturally, the North London derby today was a full-blooded game with plenty of energy, aggression, and tough tackles. For Tottenham, both Brennan Johnson and James Maddison spent some time on the ground, though neither were due to dangerous challenges.

Spurs fans saw new signing Johnson forced off the field in the second half with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

Later, James Maddison, who picked up two assists today, was assessed by the Tottenham physio but managed to play on before being replaced by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg late on.

The Lilywhites took a point away from the Emirates Stadium today to retain their unbeaten league record. They will be hoping that’s all they take away, too, and that their players can stay fit for the next run of games.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Postecoglou unsure on the fitness of Johnson

It may be too soon to tell just how serious the injuries for the Spurs pair are at this stage, as Ange Postecoglou gave as much of an update as he could to the press (via Football.London) after the game.

When asked about the issues, he said: “I’m not sure with Brennan, he felt his hamstring. Madders wasn’t 100 per cent going into the game but he got through it fine.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact Maddison was able to play on is hopefully a sign that he will not have picked up anything too serious. For Brennan Johnson, pulling up without any contact and holding his hamstring, that’s never usually a good thing, and I really hope it isn’t anything that will keep him out too long as he has looked bright in his early Spurs career.

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Ange Postecoglou‘s first taste of a North London derby ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, but it could be argued the Spurs boss could have taken all three points from the game.

Arsenal drew first blood in the game, after Cristian Romero clumsily knocked the ball into his own goal from a Bukayo Saka strike. Tottenham were level just before the break, however, when James Maddison laid in Heung-min Son for a clever finish in the box.

In the second half, Arsenal regained their lead when Cristian Romero was penalised for a handball, and Saka stuck away the resulting penalty. But, just moments later, Maddison and Son combined once more to bring the game back into balance.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Senegalese midfielder #29 Pape Matar Sarr (L) vies with Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (C) 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)

Arteta respects Tottenham’s energy

Speaking to the press after the game (via Football.London), Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted Spurs brought admirable energy to the tie, and revealed his side were ‘affected emotionally’ by the away side’s second goal.

He said: “We’re disappointed not to win the game, especially when you go ahead twice. It’s a shame that we didn’t win it. When we scored again and then conceded straight away it affected the team emotionally.”

On Tottenham and their chances for the season ahead, Arteta added: “I think they are a really good side. They’ve got a really good coach. You can see the spirit in the team and the energy around them, but six games is too early [to make a judgement on what they will be fighting for at the end of the season].”

Spurs Web Opinion

Arsenal took their eye off the ball, quite literally, to let us back into the game so quickly, and we should have made the most of that period of dominance thereafter.

He’s right about one thing, though, it is too early to really assess what we are capable of this year, but I’m very happy that we went out fighting in this derby and took the game to Arsenal.

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A feisty affair at the Emirates Stadium ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, as both Arsenal and Tottenham were able to retain their unbeaten league records.

Arsenal took the lead through a Cristian Romero own goal in the first half as the Argentinian deflected Bukayo Saka’s effort past Guglielmo Vicario. 

Tottenham equalised through Heung-min Son after some fine work from James Maddison to go in at the break level.

Romero was involved again in the second half, as Arsenal were awarded a harsh penalty from a handball by the 25-year-old. Saka coolly converted the resulting spot-kick. However, less than two minutes later, Tottenham were level again and it was their captain who applied the finish once more. 

Despite intense pressure from Spurs from then on, the scoreline remained balanced until the end.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Son says Spurs gave a perfect performance

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Son had plenty of positive things to say about his side’s performance, and also commented on the decision to award Arsenal the penalty.

He said: “It’s a derby, it’s always a tough game. But the performance was fantastic from the lads until the last whistle. I think we gave everything so I think the fans can be proud of the game. Obviously, we wanted to win, but I think the performance was perfect.”

On the controversial penalty, Son added: “Look the referee made a decision, we can’t just argue about this decision. We have VAR in this situation.

“Obviously the derby is an emotional game. It’s a decision we accepted and we bounced back really strongly. Coming back at the time was important. We showed great character and [James] Maddison showed great bravery.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I think a draw is just about a fair result overall, though we could have maybe capitalised on that period in the second half after our second goal. That should not have been a penalty for Arsenal, but as Son says, there is no point getting hung up about it.

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Ahead of the game, a lot of pundits have said that Tottenham will get ripped to shreds if they look to take the game to the Gunners at the Emirates, with Paul Merson even predicting that his former side will demolish their rivals 5-1 (Sportskeeda).

However, those who have followed Postecoglou’s career will know that the Australian will not change his game plan no matter who he comes up against.

The Spurs head coach has said ahead of the game that he would rather see his side try and go toe-to-toe with Arsenal, even if it means they come out second best, as the game will serve as a measure of how far the Lilywhites have to go to challenge the best sides in the Premier League.

(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Postecoglou wants Tottenham to be brave

Postecoglou told Football.London: “It’s about not shying away from that challenge, not fearing the outcome if things don’t go well. Ultimately that’s always your measure.

“It’s my history and people sort of use it almost as a barometer against me. When I went into Champions League games with Celtic or went into World Cup games with Australia, [they said] I should have changed my approach and we got some pretty decent lessons along the way.

“But I just think that’s the only way you can measure yourself. How do you know, if you want to be that kind of team? That’s the question.

“If you want to be a team that challenges, you know you have to play that way irrespective of the opponent, there’s no point not using a game like Sunday as a measure to see where we’re at.

“If we shy away from it, don’t play our football, manage to get a draw and survive the experience, what have we really learned? Apart from surviving 90 minutes of football? Nothing. The players already know that’s what my message will be to them. We’re going to go out and play our football.

“If we’re short, we’re short, we need to make it up. If we match them it’s great isn’t it? We know we have a long way to go and we’ve already established ourselves and on the biggest occasions, we’ve shown we’re prepared to play our football.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I am mentally prepared for a defeat in this game as there is no doubt that Arsenal will create plenty of chances against our high line. However, I am also looking forward to seeing how their defence copes when we put them under pressure as we certainly have the quality to hurt them.

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Tottenham go to the Emirates with a very inexperienced side and it will be the first taste that the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Micky Van de Ven and Manor Solomon have had of this fixture.

Spurs also have a new leadership group, with the likes of Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg no longer being part of it, and Postecoglou admitted the game will serve as a test of their leadership skills.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

When asked about the responsibility that the likes of Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero have, the Tottenham head coach told Football.London: “It is important but I guess even for them, it is their first time as leaders in something like this. When you are not a leader, it is easier to just worry about your own performance so this is a great test for them and their leadership.

“Again, this is the experience I want the guys to have and for us to have as a group to help us grow. It is the only way you grow.

“You don’t grow by literally being in the shade. You need to stick your head up and see the sun and allow yourself to grow even if it means at times that experience isn’t a great one, because you can grow from that.

“It is a challenge for all of the group and us, but irrespective it won’t stop our real intent to become this kind of football team whatever the outcome.

“Obviously, positive means you continue but even positive can sometimes derail you because you think you are further ahead than you are. We’re not. After Sunday we’ll be six games into a pretty significant rebuild.”

Postecoglou does not plan his Tottenham speeches

One of Postecoglou’s biggest strengths as a manager is his ability to deliver inspiring speeches, with James Maddison admitting this week that the players are usually ready to run through a brick wall for the Australian after the team meetings (Sky Sports).

That might come in handy ahead of a big game like the one on Sunday, but the 58-year-old insisted that he does not prepare those addresses to the squad beforehand as his message will be modified based on the mood among the players.

When asked about his inspiration pre-match speeches, Postecoglou said: “With those kind of things, I try not to pre-plan them too much. It’s all about reading the room.

“We’ve still got training tomorrow (Saturday) so I need to see how they look in training, see how their build-up is to the game, and I’ll try and get a feel for the room before I speak to them about the final things.

“I always feel that is the best way to frame my message rather than going in there thinking I need to be strong in this area, maybe it’s not needed because they’re focused in the right way.

“Ultimately, whatever I say, whatever way we prepare, there is nothing like the experience itself, that’s the greatest teacher you have.

“For us, that’ll be where we get the most out of the game; going out there and experiencing it and seeing how much we can show of ourselves in such a big game.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou’s point about amending the message based on the mood of the squad is quite a pertinent one. Sometimes, supporters fall into the trap of thinking it is just about getting the players up and excited for the game.

However, that can sometimes be counter-productive as the players might be a bundle of nerves when they go out there and are more likely to make rash challenges and get sent off.

If there is already plenty of excitement in the camp, sometimes, the manager’s role ahead of big games like this one would be to calm them down before they go out on the pitch.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal go into Sunday’s game in great form, with both sides unbeaten in the league so far this year.

With 13 points apiece, there is very little to separate the two fierce rivals, and this early season test will be an intriguing examination of their respective progress.

Last season, the Gunners had the upper hand over Spurs in every single way. Mikel Arteta‘s side finished second in the Premier League after leading the way for most of the campaign, and Arsenal did the double over the Lilywhites.

Things are a little different now, however. Ange Postecoglou has taken over at Tottenham and instilled a new sense of optimism with his brand of attacking football. Can Angeball win the day in the first North London derby of the season?

(Photo by Visionhaus)

Berbatov can’t see a winner in Arsenal vs Spurs game

Sharing his thoughts with Metro, Dimitar Berbatov admitted he found it difficult to separate the two sides ahead of the game at the Emirates, and hedged his bets with a draw.

He said: “Any team can win it. It’s a derby, it doesn’t matter where you an in the table. Whoever wants it more will take the win but I think it’ll be a draw. Prediction 2-2.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Obviously, we would love a win from this game and it would be such a big statement as to how far we have come in such a short space of time. It sounds like Ange is going to take the game to Arsenal, which should give us a good chance. But, a draw would not be a bad result at all.

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Those associated with Arsenal certainly seem quite confident heading into Sunday’s game, which is to be expected given their home record in this fixture and the fact that Mikel Arteta’s men are trying to chase Manchester City for the Premier League title.

The likes of Paul Merson have said that Spurs will be humbled if they try to take the game to the home side, predicting a 5-1 win for the Gunners (Sportskeeda).

Ange Postecoglou acknowledged in his press conference on Friday that Arsenal are one of the best sides in the Premier League and are further along in their process, but he remarked that his side will not change the way they play (Football.London).

(Photo by Visionhaus)

No Tottenham players in Darren Bent’s combined XI

Bent believes that Arsenal are so much better than their North London rivals that not a single Spurs player gets into their eleven.

When asked to pick a combined eleven, between the two sides, the pundit told talkSPORT: “Goalkeeper, I’m going [David] Raya or [Aaron] Ramsdale. I think they are better goalkeepers. Ben White at right back, brilliant.

“Two centre-halves [William] Saliba and Gabriel. I think for Arsenal (White) is a right-back. I think the partnership between Saliba and Gabriel is so strong you can’t break that up.

“Left-back [Oleksandr] Zinchenko, the whole inverted midfield player, Zinchenko is fantastic at that. Tierney just couldn’t play that inverted role as well as Zinchenko, he was about straight lines. We had [Jurrien] Timber as well but he got injured.

“Midfield I’m going [Declan] Rice, [Thomas] Partey, [Martin] Odegaard. He [James Maddison] doesn’t play holding midfield, does he?

“Saka, Gabriel Jesus down the middle and [Gabriel] Martinelli. The reason I’ve not put Son in there is he wasn’t great last season, he scored a hat-trick playing up top, he’s not played well on the left.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I understand why many pundits and Arsenal fans are not putting any Tottenham players in their eleven as the Spurs team has plenty of newcomers and we are yet to see them tested over the course of the season.

One can argue that the likes of Bissouma, Maddison, Son and Romero would have a shout of getting into the combined eleven right now. By the end of this season, some of Van de Ven, Udogie, Vicario and Sarr might also be legitimate shouts.

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Tottenham have a poor record at the Emirates and undoubtedly go into the game as underdogs, particularly with Mikel Arteta’s men looking to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.

However, the Lilywhites go into the game high on confidence after their dramatic late turnaround against Sheffield United, and Maddison admitted that he has never experienced the sort of feeling he had last Saturday.

The attacking midfielder told Sky Sports: “We don’t want to get too carried away. It’s our job to stay focused and keep going. But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t feel like there’s something special in the air at the minute.

“Just because of the feeling and the way we won against Sheffield United… I’ve never experienced something like that.”

Son Heung-min insisted earlier in the week that Arsenal would not want to be playing Tottenham at this time (The Times) and that is a sentiment that Maddison echoed, revealing that he had spoken with some of the Gunners stars about the clash.

VALLETTA, MALTA – JUNE 16: James Maddison of England arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between Malta and England at Ta’ Qali Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Valletta, Malta. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Maddison has been bantering the Arsenal players

The 26-year-old said: “If you ask the Arsenal camp, I don’t think it’s a brilliant time that they’d want to play us because we’ve started the season well.

“I had a little bit of banter with Bukayo [Saka] and Rammers [Aaron Ramsdale] and Declan [Rice] on England duty, all in good spirit, and I’m really looking forward to the game.

“It’s these big occasions where we have to show we can progress as a team and continue these results on the big occasions. We want to show the Tottenham way and the new way we’ve got of playing under this manager.”

However, Maddison acknowledged that Arsenal are much further along in their process while Spurs are only at the start of their new project under Ange Postecoglou.

He added: “We’re still early in the manager’s reign but if you’re a fan that’s been watching you’ll have seen changes to the team. We’re not at the end goal yet because it’s a process and takes a long time.

“Just like you saw with Mikel Arteta, he went in and had a bit of a shaky start at times and now Arsenal are one of the most consistent performers in the league last year and were very close to winning the title.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It will not be a disaster for Tottenham if we lose as there is no doubt that Arsenal are better than us at this stage. However, the Gunners have to win this game, given that they have title ambitions. 

Even though I do not expect us to get anything from this game, I am looking forward to seeing us trying to take the game to Arsenal on their own turf.

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All eyes will be on the Emirates Stadium this weekend as the fierce rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal reaches boiling point once more.

Both sides go into the game in great form. In fact, both Spurs and Arsenal are unbeaten in the league so far, and both have 13 points on the board, with the Lilywhites ahead of the Gunners on goal difference only.

Ange Postecoglou has been getting the best out of his players since taking over the Spurs job this summer, and one player to benefit from that has been Richarlison.

The striker struggled for form last season, scoring just three goals throughout the 2022/23 campaign (Transfermarkt).

Richarlison was the star of the show last weekend for Spurs, however, coming off the bench to pull his side level against Sheffield United late in stoppage time. He then provided the assist for Dejan Kulusevski to score the winner two minutes later.

(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Richarlison can cause Arsenal problems

Speaking to Optus Sport about the upcoming game, Ian Wright admitted he is worried about what Richarlison could do against Arsenal on Sunday, and said the Brazilian will be difficult to handle.

He said: “You’re looking at a team now that is very confident and a player up front who, if he can now throw in 10-12 goals which he’s easily capable of doing Richarlison, now his head’s clear and everything – they’re going to cause people problems.

“He seems to have stopped the noise in his head, the manager’s given him time out of it and brought him in and eased him into and now he feels more at ease.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I would love nothing more than to see Richarlison perform on Sunday and score the winning goal. I will take any kind of win, but for him to be the difference in this big game would be massive for his confidence and would be a real statement about the kind of season he could have this year.

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