05-31-2023, 10:07 AM
Despite playing the whole of the second half, and much of the first, with an extra man, Harry Redknapps side failed to capitalise on Arsenals shortcomings in a bitterly contested North London derby. Spurs enjoyed the lions share of the chances, although never created too much to test Manuel Almunia.The TeamDespite the return of flamboyant keeper Gomes, Redknapp stuck with Carlo Cudicinibetween the posts. David Bentley sat out due to suspension, so Aaron Lennon resumed his regular wide right berth, and Luka Modric moved acro s to the left. Robbie Keane come straight in to make his second debut for the club. The line-up was: GomesCorluka Woodgate Dawson BAELennon PalaciosJenas Modric Pavlyuchenko KeaneSubs: Bent, Chimbonda, Taarabt, Bent, Gomes, Bale, Zokora, Huddlestone.Tottenham started the better of the two sides early on, winning two corners in the opening two minutes. The Sun was beaming directly into Almunias eyes, but the Spurs attack never really piled the pre sure on him. But on the 13 minute mark, Arsenal produced a warning for the home side, as Eboue pa sed the ball into the back of the net, only for the referee to blow his whistle. The goal was disallowed for a foul on Jonathon Woodgate, although Sean Monahan Women Jersey replays suggest he didnt do an awful lot wrong.A few minutes later, Modric was floored as a result of an aerialchallenge involving Bacary Sagna, resulting in a free-kick. Emmanuel Eboue was having none of it, and was subsequently booked for his persistent complaints. The delivery was another good one from the petite Croation,and the best Toure could do was head away for another corner. The move following the cleared corner also involved Spurs attacking their rivals, this time Modric took a brilliant first touch to take him past Gallas and into the box, and it took a top cla s tackle from Gael Clichy to deny him.Luka Modric had another chance after the half hour, testing Almunia from 20 yards. Arsenal broke Dougie Hamilton Men Jersey forward, although their attack was called to a halt. Emmanuel Adebayor went to floor mid-stride, clutching his hamstring, having to be stretchered off. But before Bendtnar could take the field as a substitute, Modric just tripped Eboue, forcing the Ivorian to react and kick out at the playmaker. Mike Dean reached into his pocket and drew out his yellow card. it looked as if Eboue was off, but the Arsenal playersignalled to the floor as if Modric had dived. The yellow went to the Spurs midfielder, and Eboue walked away, rather pleased with himself. It was only about 20 seconds later that Dean reached into his pocket again, this time for the red, and Eboue was off. Arsene Wenger, however, was not deterred, and brought Bendtner on, leaving Sagna to fill the right wing position as well as playing right-back.Eboue cant understand red card after Modric is bookedTottenham continued to have the better of the po se sion in the early minutes of the second half. The best of a few early chances was for Pavlyuchenko, but his decision to go for the curler rather than Lanny McDonald Men Jersey square it just inside the box resulted in the ball being blazed over the bar. Tottenham, however, never looked like taking advantage of Arsenals ten men, and repeatedly gave the ball away by dwelling on it for too long. And just after the hour, Darren Bent came on to replace Pavlyuchenko. This, in my opinion, was an awful substitution, as, from that moment on, the strikers lost all movement and the creative players had no options when on the ball.It was beginning to become more evident that Arsenal were happy to take the point, and Tottenham failed to create any three-points-worthy chances. After 74 minutes, Pascal Chimbonda came on for Corluka, and it wasnt until the 85th minute that Adel Taarabt was brought on for Aaron Lennon. This kid made me wonder why he wasnt brought on after 60 minutes, instead of Darren no movement, Ill creep behind the defender Bent. He took players on and added an extra spark to the team. He also create perhaps the most golden opportunity of the game in injury time. He picked up the ball from Cudicinis throw, and ran with it. The Frenchman timed the pa s perfectly, and decided to go right, to Modric,rather than left. The Eddie Lack Jersey Croatian took a touch and tried to slip the ball under the Arsenal keeper, but Almunia got down well to deny him. This was to be the last chance of the match.Arsene Wenger the happier of the two managersRatingsCudicini 8 Didnt have a lot to do, but his distribution was good, as he looked to roll the ball out. Would have been troubled more had Adebayor remained on the pitch.Corluika 5 Tried to hang onto the ball for too long, and subsequently lost po se sion quite often. Also tried to shepard a ball out that never had enough pace, a decision which almost led to a goal. Has been fantastic this season, but didnt look at the races today.Woodgate 7 Dealt with everything that came his way, and looked a sured in the air. A decent performance in match where he didnt have a lot to do.Dawson 8 Kept van Persie quiet for most of the match, and followed him all over the pitch. The third-choice centre-halfdidnt let anything past him, and looks to be cutting out his eagerne s to pump a long ball forward.A sou-Ekotto 6.5 A good defensive display, albeit only having Sean Monahan Jersey one right-sided player to deal with in Sagna. Although, sloppy pa ses meant he was giving the ball away a fair bit when going forward.Lennon 8.5 Caused problems no end for Gael Clichy, and cut inside very well when needed. Can maybe take players on slightly more, but he put in some fantastic work, winning the ball on the half-way line on the odd occasion.Palacios 10 Man of the match performance from the Honduran, as he provided great cover for the back four. Never lost out in a tackle, and looks like the answer to Tottenhams worries. All hail King Wilson!Jenas 6 Won the ball well on some occasions, but his pa sing was sloppy. He also lost the ball around the edge of the box a few times, but overall a decent performance.Modric 9 Provided a great creative spark from midfield, and had no trouble adjusting to his new left-midfield berth. His delivery was a lot better than that of David Bentley, and at times he even out muscled Alex Song. Who said he was too lightweight for the Premiership?Pavlyuchenko 6 Was fairly quiet, but he dropped bac