Oct 30 2008
Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur
photo: Paul Blank
Tottenham show more than signs of life as they have the incredible depth to draw against Arsenal despite being down 4-2 in the 89th minute. But the question begs, was this an amazing Tottenham performance, or just the club playing up for the North London derby. Derby matches are well documented for their ability to produce unexpected results. But something seems different now that Redknapp is in control of Tottenham.
Somehow the players just seem to be more prepared for the big battles like yesterday’s against Arsenal. David Bentley’s confidence to take on a 40yard strike and actually score in the 13th minute should be proof alone. Redknapp is inspiring the men again, something Juande Ramos couldn’t do, and deserved to be fired for.
What an amazing performance by both sides, with Bentley’s amazing 13th minute strike giving Tottenham a temporary lead, Silvestre levelled the score line at the 37th minute, while Gallas led his team with a goal to put them ahead just after the half. Tottenham’s lapses in defence allowed yet another goal in the 64th from Adebayor, making the situation look bleak for Spurs.
But then their drive grew enough for Darren Bent to get lucky after a rebound Almunia couldn’t control off Huddlestone’s stinging shot, netting Tottenham hope in the 67th minute. But Van Persie made Tottenham think that at least for a moment that they would be given yet another loss, with his 68th minute effort.
Things looked bleak, and the infusion of Redknapp looked as though it hadn’t made as much of a difference as was intended by Spurs executives. Until the 89th minute when a brilliant strike was curled in by Jermaine Jenas. Although the move looked as though it would only be a small consolation to a defeated Tottenham, a shot from Luka Modric deflected straight to Aaron Lennon who took the rebound and bought Tottenham a well deserved 90th minute point.
But the real story here are the problems Arsenal have in defence, giving up four goals is inexcusable if you’re even hoping of winning the Premier League any time soon. With their record as of late Arsene Wenger needs to do some serious damage control, should Arsenal hope to remain in the top four for another season.
