North London is red
If the 03/04 golden Premier league trophy stands out in the Arsenal cabinet, then this win in the 19-game unbeaten streak surely has the same effect. Don’t get me wrong, every one of the 19 games was important in its own right. However, the 19th silences the little whispers of “Who have they faced in that run?” and “Can they do it against the big 6?”.
It was a derby that had it all. 6 goals, 2 penalties, comebacks, a red card and even a brawl at some point (After Stephan Lichsteiner had a go at Eric Dier for his celebration of Spurs’ equaliser). Before that, Jan Verthonghen had bizzarely handled the ball in the box for a penalty which Pierre Emerick Aubameyang slotted home. The goal was the least Arsenal deserved after a long period of sustained pressure. Arsenal were in control for the large part of the game except for a 5- minute spell which saw Spurs score two and turn the game on the head. At halftime, Unai Emery made a brave decision of bringing on Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey for Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mhkitaryan. That proved to be a masterstroke as Arsenal took the initiative once again. Arsenal got the equaliser shortly after Aubameyang’s first time shot took everyone including Hugo Lloris by surprise and the momentum shift was once again in Arsenal’s favor. This time, it wasn’t to be blown, Ramsey set up Lacazette for the third and then Torreira got clear in on goal and calmly slotted for his first in an Arsenal shirt. What a game to get that in!. The Uruguayan international- who failed to make almost all the combined 11s in the preview to this game-picked up his third consecutive MOTM award after the game. A deserved reward for a fantastic display.
This was another game where the naysayers predicted a defeat and yet again, the Gunners showed resilience and character to comeback and win in emphatic fashion. If you wanted a team that could comeback after being down in the first half, there it was. If you wanted a signature win, it came against the fiercest of rivals. Next up is a trip to Old Trafford to face a very uninspiring Manchester United. History doesn’t do the away side any favours in this fixture but this Arsenal team have a niche for answering their critics in the most remarkable ways and overcome every challenge thrown at them.
Blunt Liverpool attack find a way
Everton haven’t won a game at Anfield since Kevin Campbell’s winner in 1999. Perharps this was their best performance since that famous victory. Everton had the better chances and Liverpool had to call on some huge saves from Allison and some brilliant defending from Joe Gomez to keep the toffees at bay. Marco Silva’s men were brave, they were disciplined but in the end a howler from Jordan Pickford -who until then was brilliant- cost them at least a point in a game they come out feeling they could have had all 3
For Liverpool, Divock Origi’s header sealed all three points and they remain two points and in touching distance of Champions Man City at the summit of the table. However, major concerns of the lack of sharpness in their attack are due to arise. The link up play and blitz and fierceness associated with the now famous front three of the reds seems to be missing a bit of spark. What has improved though is Liverpool’s strong resilient backline and with 9 clean sheets now, that is proving to be the difference for the reds.
PSG drop points
Bordeaux came from behind twice to earn a well deserved draw at home to PSG. Neymar scored first after cushioning a Dani Alves cross (Alves making his first start since returning from a long lay off that saw him miss the world cup in the summer) Jimmy Briand equalised for Bordeaux before Kylian Mbappe put PSG ahead for the second time in the game but Andreas Cornelius’ 84th minute header was enough to steal a point for Bordeaux. Maybe it was a hangover from the Champions League in midweek but the draw still leaves PSG 14 points clear on top of Ligue 1 and in a good place to progress in the UEFA Champions League.
Wilder-Fury ends in a draw
Tyson Fury put up a very relentless and resilient performance against WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder. Prior to the bout, his first major one since he announced his comeback, many doubts were raised over his physical condition but the gypsian King rose to the occasion. The undefeated British boxer out-boxed his American opponent and dominated most of the 12 rounds despite being knocked down twice. In the end, both boxers had to settle for a draw but the Fury camp will have every right to believe they deserve more from the bout.
Avot
The Green Turf 
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