Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham: 5 Talking Points as Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino’s side share spoils | Premier League 2019/20

Arsenal were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal invited their rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium. It was a game of two ends as the Gunners and Spurs produced a nailbiting contest, proving to be a perfect derby set up in a 2-2 draw. The hosts were initially trailing by two goals but drew level parity to script an exceptional comeback.

Unai Emery’s side started on a higher ante in the opening minutes of the game. However, they were suddenly caught on the break by the visitors, who scored through their attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. The Danish International scored from a ricochet off Heung Min Son’s shot.

There were no real chances as both the sides failed to test the shot-stoppers until Granit Xhaka brought Heung Min Son inside the penalty box. Harry Kane slotted the ball to extend the lead by two goals. In the stoppage time of the first half, Nicolas Pepe found Alexandre Lacazette inside the penalty box. The striker had a lot to do and went past Jan Vertonghen to score an extraordinary goal past Hugo Lloris.

From the minute one of the second half, the hosts were banging on the door of the visitors. Shots from Nicolas Pepe and Matteo Guendouzi were tremendously saved by Hugo Lloris, but he was unable to prevent the magic touch from Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the second half. Matteo Guendouzi picked out the striker, whose deft touch took the ball away from the goalkeeper to level the score.

It was a perfect clash as both sides share spoils before the International break. We shall look at the five talking points from this pulsating clash.

#5 Arsenal’s defensive woes continue 

Arsenal were hoping to keep a full stop to their defensive problems with the acquisition of the experienced David Luiz. However, the Brazilian, who was culpable for two goals in Anfield, had some nerve-wracking moments alongside his partner Sokratis.

When Spurs played an airball to Harry Kane, miscommunication between Sokratis and Granit Xhaka helped Spurs course. Both failed to win the header, assisting Kane to pick out Heung Min Son in the back of the defence. This broke the backline and Christian Eriksen scored from close range to give the lead for the visitors.

The unceasing mistake of the Gunners centre-backs is their vulnerability and unnecessity to commit themselves. This helps the opponents to make the run behind the defence and create chances for fun.

Sokratis, for all his experience, should have dealt with the header properly rather than committing himself to let Spurs have the ball to take the lead.