Start
The start was scrappy and neither team was on top. Spurs were happy to control possession in their own half and were struggling to transition into attacking areas. Arsenal were pressing well and winning the ball back off Spurs high up the pitch.
Big Vicario saves
The first of two massive saves from Vicario. Saka whipped in an inviting cross towards the back post to Jesus, unmarked, who first time fired it towards goal into the ground. The bounce made it tough for Vicario who got a massive hand of the ball to divert it away. Big save!
Just moments later Vicario came up with another big save. Udogie, who had a nightmare of a minute, played a blind pass through to Nketiah, who anticipated the pass well. Vicario spread himself well and closed the angle and Nketiah struck it at Vicario.
Breakthrough 1-0 Saka
The Arsenal pressure finally paid off as Spurs ruefully allowed Saka the space to cut in. Saka’s curved strike was clearly heading wide. However, Romero clumsily stuck a leg out diverting the ball into the far top corner leaving Vicario stranded. Saka cheekily celebrated the goal with the Maddison darts celebration!
Jesus golden miss
Spurs continued to be brave playing out from the back, but this time were nearly punished. Maddison was robbed of the ball by Jesus. Jesus lacked composure, rushing the strike as it was lashed over the bar. Big let off for Spurs and Maddison.
Raya world-class save
A sharp counter-attack from Spurs: Son overlapped Kulusevski to create the space and cut the ball back right on the money for Johnson.
Johnson’s first-time, scuffed shot looked to be heading in, Raya was well out of position but he sprung across his goal clawing the ball away from danger. Incredible save which Ramsdale certainly approved of!
Maddison’s revenge Son goal 1-1
Maddison executed a quick turn and change of pace to humble Saka who was weak in the challenge. He cut the ball back on the by-line for Son who accurately used the pace on the cross to divert the ball into the far corner sparking the game into life.
Half time thoughts
A draw was certainly a fair result going into half-time although Arsenal were the more disappointed of the two teams still rueing the massive missed chance from Jesus to put them two up. Tottenham were by far the better team in the second period of the first half creating all their chances in a spell from the 30th minute to half time. Game was set up nicely for the second half.
Controversial penalty Saka 2-1
Arsenal received a stroke of fortune from VAR as they were awarded a very controversial pen. Havertz had a tame shot from close range which bounced up and struck Romero’s hand. However, it’s clear his arm was away from the body.
Saka, ever reliable from the penalty spot calmly stepped up and dinked the ball down the middle with the perfect power and height making it impossible for Vicario who had dived to one side. Arsenal back in front.
Kick off glitch Son 2-2
Arsenal celebration was foolishly over the top and they were still clearly high on adrenaline. Straight from kick off Jorginho, who replaced star man Rice, tried a silly skill and was disposed by Maddison, which proved a costly mistake.
Maddison drove into the space exploiting a two on one, sliding the ball to Son who expertly slotted the ball into the far corner to get his second of the game.
Very little happened
A whole lot of nothing happened after the equaliser towards the end of a game, bar a nice strike from Saka smartly saved by Vicario which looked like it was heading wide.
Arsenal were seriously lacking a clinical striker and Spurs were lacking attacking ideas and creativity after subbing off Son and Maddison.
Full time thoughts
Neither team were close to finding the winner although if it was to be one team, it would have been Arsenal. A draw was a fair result in the end. Tottenham will be the happier of the two teams getting a rare point at the Emirates. It was a cracking game of football and Son was my MOTM.