It was yet another frustrating night for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top four were shattered by an on-form Spurs. The home side took all three points from the North London derby in front of packed crowd at White Hart Lane.
Flying high! Bale celebrates his opener against Arsenal. Photo: Richard Pelham
Tottenham are sitting comfortable 5-points ahead of fourth placed Chelsea and further 2-points of Arsenal with only 10 Premier League games remaining.
Arsenal were impressive in the opening 20 minutes of the game, controlling the ball and causing trouble for Tottenham. The Gunner’s first decent chance came through Giroud when he got a hasty header on Wilshere’s corner which Hugo Lloris saved.
Regardless of having less of the ball, Tottenham were the first team to get on the scoresheet after 37 minutes. Mertesacker was the guilty man as he played Bale onside, who measured his run perfectly to get on the end of Sigurdsson’s pass and slotted home the opener.
Tottenham doubled their lead within two minutes, as Arsenal defence repeated their earlier mistake of playing a high line and allowing Parker to run through unchallenged to feed the ball to Lennon who’s cool finish made it 2-0 going into the half time.
Arsenal came out the second half needing to change the game around and the away fans were given some hope when Mertesaker’s 51st minute flick took a deflection off Gareth Bale and left Arsenal training by one goal.
Wenger made couple of changes, bringing on Podolski and Rosicky and as Arsenal threw everything they had at resilient opponents, Spurs remained firm to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to 12 games.
Tottenham however have a tough run-in towards the closing stages of the competition, as they are yet to face Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. Arsene Wenger’s men will have to battle for the chances of finishing in the top four against Everton, Fulham and leaders Manchester United.
Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent
