Arsenal’s derby game with Tottenham ended in an entertaining draw as both teams cancelled each other. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored in the 74th minute to equalize for Arsenal after Nacer Chadli’s goal in the 54th minute had given Spurs the lead. What was disappointing from Arsenal’s point of view is the fact that Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey were taken off after picking up knocks. The extent of damage is still unknown.
Spurs were happy to soak the pressure and hit Arsenal on the counter. The game plan was working perfectly until the 74th minute when both Danny Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain were found unmarked in the penalty area. Welbeck failed to connect properly and luckily the ball fell nicely to Oxlade-Chamberlain who smashed it into the roof of the net. From then on it was anybody’s game, but there weren’t many clear cut chances for either to win the game. Mesut Ozil had a good game too.
Most of the Arsenal fans were agitated and pointed out towards why Alexis Sanchez wasn’t starting the game. It’s likely that Arsene Wenger was saving the Chilean for the midweek Champions League game against Galatasaray. The other obvious fact is the lack of a defensive midfielder that could haunt Arsenal this season.
@Arsenal buy a DM or we’ll report you till your get suspended from Twitter
— ZƎDD (@ZeddTweeting) September 27, 2014
@Arsenal pathetic. — DHammy1971 (@DHammy1971) September 27, 2014
@Arsenal our decline gains traction. Prof Wenger oblivious to defending. As always.
— John O’Brennan (@JohnOBrennan2) September 27, 2014
@Arsenal @19SCazorla @aaronramsey what is wrong with training methods? Team with most injuries in EPL!! — Edgar Pinilla (@EdgarPinilla5) September 27, 2014
“@riomegan: @Arsenal so @aaronramsey and @JackWilshere out too now????” Are our players made of plastic?
— iSmyle™ (@xmereil) September 27, 2014
The Arsenal injury list is a long one; Olivier Giroud, Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo, Serge Gnabry and Theo Walcott are already on the treatment table. Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta might follow suit. Wenger’s stubbornness in the transfer market might take its toll as the resources are stretched at the moment, especially in the defensive areas. What is even more concerning is that they haven’t got of the best of starts either. They were knocked out in the Capital One Cup last week and suffered a loss at the hands of Dortmund in their 1st Champions League game.
The game against Galatasaray in the coming days will be key as Arsene Wenger will want to avoid the last day drama that occurred in the final group game of last season’s Champions League.
Man of the match was either Özil or Koscielny. Only ones who looked in total control. #Arsenal #NLD — Röhith Nair (@RohithNair) September 27, 2014
I’m unhappy with that result, Wenger seems fine with it. That’s the difference. #afc
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 27, 2014