It was a disappointing and frustrating afternoon for Arsenal as they dropped a lead twice to draw 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
It was a relentless, end-to-end game which saw the Gunners take the lead twice through Buakyo Saka. But control was lacking in a game that saw both sides attack without any thought of controlling the derby.
Of course, controlling a derby game is a difficult thing to do achieve in football considering the emotion that comes with it, but Spurs will be coming away from the Emirates believing they were the better side.
They created several big chances and Arsenal seemed to open up in the second half after Declan Rice was forced off, leaving Ange Postegcoglu’s side to waltz through the thirds on several occasions.
It’s not a game that will have pleased Arteta, with the Gunners struggling to dominate the midfield, allowing Spurs countless opportunities to play through the third and hit them on the counter.
Who stood out?
The big decision before the game for Arteta was choosing between David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, with Mikel Arteta being justified in the decision after the Spaniard made two fine saves from Brennan Johnson.
Eddie Nketiah looked lively throughout the, with William Saliba and Gabriel looking assured in the defence but to put it bluntly, it wasn’t a positive day at the office.
Jorginho’s poor error in midfield granted Spurs a run on goal which they took advantage of and with Rice picking up his calf injury, it will leave Arteta sweating on the outcome of a possible scan.
Gabriel Jesus looked short of sharpness with the game highlighting the issues the injury crisis the team is currently going through. It’s not so much missing personnel being the issue, but more so the lack of balance it has created within the team.