Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to go top of the Premier League table for the second time in a week as they drew 2-2 at home to 10-man Arsenal in the North London derby.
Spurs went behind to Aaron Ramsey’s beautifully-taken goal, but Francis Coquelin’s reckless sending off gifted the hosts the momentum, and Toby Alderweireld soon equalised.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had turned it around two minutes later, with Harry Kane scoring an outstanding goal for his fourth in three league games against Arsenal.
But the Lilywhites surrendered their advantage as Alexis Sanchez earned the Gunners a crucial point which keeps them within three of Tottenham towards the top of the table.
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Arsenal player ratings: Alexis Sanchez helps 10-man Gunners battle back in 2-2 draw with Spurs
GK: Hugo Lloris – 6/10
Beaten a bit softly for the Sanchez goal. Made a good save from the Chilean’s free-kick late on.
RB: Kyle Walker – 6/10
Had a couple of brainless moments in defence, but was a threat when he ventured forward.
CB: Toby Alderweireld – 7/10
Not his best defensive display, but took his goal brilliantly on the half-volley with his weaker foot.
CB: Kevin Wimmer – 7/10
Caught out of position for Sanchez’s equaliser, but made amends with a match-saving tackle on Ramsey in stoppage time. Who knows how crucial that intervention could be come the end of the season.
LB: Danny Rose – 7/10
Tottenham’s most dangerous attacker in the first half as he had acres of space down the left, but his deliveries were pretty poor. Some of his teammates were a bit flat, but Rose was a bundle of energy.
CM: Eric Dier – 6/10
Had a solid first half but was too often dragged out of position in the second, exposing his defence, and was very lucky to stay on the pitch when his tug of Olivier Giroud’s shirt went unpunished.
CM: Mousa Dembele – 8/10
Tottenham’s best performer. The only Spurs player to show consistent quality on the ball – rarely giving it away in the heat of the midfield battle. Didn’t lose a 50-50 either before his late withdrawal.
AMR: Christian Eriksen – 7/10
His set-piece deliveries were very hit and miss, but Eriksen covered a lot of ground and tested Ospina with a couple of long-range efforts. Did not have the quality today when it really mattered.
AMC: Dele Alli – 6/10
Not as influential as he has been previously, but his chase of what looked to be a lost cause – and the very smart back-heel that followed – provided Kane with the chance to bring WHL to its feet.
AML: Erik Lamela – 5/10
Ran around like a headless chicken, but that was his downfall – an early yellow card meant that he was walking a tightrope for the rest of the game. Showed little quality on the ball, either.
ST: Harry Kane – 7/10
Scored his fourth goal in three league games against Arsenal with an unbelievable curling effort beyond David Ospina. Spurs looked poised to win from there, but Sanchez cancelled out Kane’s stunner.
Substitutes
Ryan Mason – 5/10
Replaced Lamela to help Spurs gain control of the midfield, but they actually lost control.
Ben Davies – 6/10
Replaced Danny Rose for the final 10 minutes. Nothing to report here.
Son Heung-Min – N/a
Could not have an impact coming on for Dembele with eight minutes to go.
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