Harry Redknapp took charge of his first game as Tottenham boss in the North London derby as the Premier League’s bottom side travelled to the Emirates.
The new manager certainly had his side motivated as they began the game in fine style, pressing and harrying Arsenal all over the pitch whilst also being unafraid to get forwards and attack.
Indeed with only minutes on the clock Tom Huddlestone had sent Gareth Bale scampering down the left and the Welshman hit the post from a narrow angle, to send an early warning to Arsene Wenger’s side.
Yet the situation was about to improve considerably and it took Spurs just over ten minutes to open the scoring, with a truly superb goal.
After some scrappy play in midfield, Jermaine Jenas chested the ball down to David Bentley who controlled the ball on the volley before his second touch sent a stunning, looping shot over Almunia from fully 40 yards.
The goal shocked the hosts but within minutes Van Persie had mustered two shots on target in response. The first, a free kick was well saved by Gomes before the Dutchman bent a second effort just wide of the post.
Yet Spurs were defending solidly, getting plenty of bodies behind the ball and forcing Arsenal into some uncharacteristically sloppy passing.
However, Arsene Wenger’s side are nothing if not persistent and with the pressure growing as half-time neared, the inevitable finally occurred.
After doing well to push a Cesc Fabregas effort around the corner, Gomes then made a mess of the resulting corner from which Mikael Silvestre headed home the equaliser.
The ball in from the right by Van Persie should have been claimed by the Spurs stopper yet the Brazilian got nowhere near the ball allowing Silvestre to head home with ease for his first Arsenal goal.
Less than a minute into the second half and Silvestre’s defensive partner William Gallas had put the home side into the lead.
A free kick needlessly conceded by Huddlestone was swung in by Van Persie and Gallas rose highest to nod the ball down and into the bottom corner.
With the lead established Wenger’s men threatened to overrun Spurs. Adebayor having the best chance on the hour mark.
Van Persie laid the ball off to his strike partner just inside the box but he could only smash the ball wide, much to Tottenham’s huge relief.
Minutes later Arsenal did have their third goal though. A wonderful pass from Van Persie sent Nasri sprinting through on goal. The Frenchman dinked the ball over the approaching Gomes and Adebayor beat Hutton to stab the ball home on the line.
The game looked over but within minutes Spurs had a goal back. Huddlestone’s shot was fumbled by Almunia and substitute Darren Bent was on hand to slot home and give Spurs hope.
Yet Van Persie appeared to have extinguished Spurs’ optimism in under a minute. Alan Hutton unforgivably giving the ball away to Adebayor who picked the Dutchman out and he simply smashed the ball home.
The game looked to be all but over but there was still plenty of action left. With minutes remaining on the clock Jermaine Jenas capitalised on a huge error by Clichy on the half way line to run through and coolly bend home an excellent finish to give Almunia no chance and the visitors a glimmer of hope.
A nervy few minutes ensued but Tottenham were not to be denied. A Modric shot from range hit the post and Lennon was on hand to slide the ball home and claim a late, late equaliser.
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