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- Written by Shane Thomas
I find North London derbies the most anxiety-ridden games of the season. And a match like this made it even more so. A below-par Arsenal made up for a lack of quality with supreme doggedness to scrape a 1-0 victory.
Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – He made a howler from a cross in the second-half, which should have resulted in an equaliser from Nacer Chadli. However, he dealt with the remainder of crosses from Tottenham with aplomb.
Bacary Sagna – 6 – An unusually mediocre performance from Sagna. He rode his luck when on a yellow card, and was pinned back in his own half from buccaneering forward runs from Danny Rose.
Per Mertesacker – 9 – Mertesacker's brief dip in form from a few weeks ago seems to be over. He was magnificent in defence. His positioning and anticipation was faultless, evinced by his 20 successful clearances.
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- Written by Liam Moyles
Some say Arsenal have no chance in hell; that the phrase ‘anything can happen in football’ simply does not apply to this game.
However, I am encouraged how many fans have got behind the team before this game with complete faith the Gooners can replicate or better the result at the Allianz from last season.
History and statistics suggest Arsenal face a mountainous task and there is no denying that. But we all remember what happened against Inter in 2003; Real Madrid in 2006; and Milan in 2008.
Fabianski – 8 - What a brilliant penalty save. Robben’s antics during this tie have been despicable for a player of his ability.
Sagna – 7 - He had to deal with Alaba and the third best player on the planet and he did superbly. Please, just give him a contract; he has deserved it for his wonderful performances this season.
Koscielny – 7 – A solid performance just like last season. Defenders have to be against a team like Bayern or else they will humiliate you. Fouled Robben in penalty area.
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- Written by Shane Thomas
Arsenal begin another difficult run of fixtures, but the FA Cup quarter-final against Everton was possibly the most important. It remains the Gunner best chance of success, and after being held to a 1-1 draw in the league encounter, it was a huge source of relief of joy to Gooner that Arsenal prevailed, winning 4-1.
Lukasz Fabianski - 7 – He could do little with the goal, but was pretty competent otherwise. Will probably be pretty busy on Tuesday night.
Bacary Sagna – 8 – He was a key attacking outlet in the first-half, although he eagerness to attack left Arsenal exposed for the Everton equaliser. His second-half performance was even more impressive, defending doggedly, and providing a superb assist for the third goal.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – The German had his hands full dealing with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas, but he always managed to keep them on a relatively short leash. His positioning and organisation was to its usual standard, and he made more clearances (12) than any of his teammates.
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- Written by Shane Thomas
In the marathon of the Premier League, fixtures against the big clubs might drive the media narrative, but it's weekends against the middling clubs that are the foundation of any title winning side. So after a deserved defeat to Stoke City, it should set the alarms bells ringing.
Wojciech Szczesny - 6 – He couldn't do much with the winning penalty, but made a bad handling error early in the second-half.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – Sagna didn't get a great deal of help, especially when going forward, but he was always a willing “out-ball”. He put in some decent crosses, but often only had Olivier Giroud to aim at.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – Despite the result, Mertesacker gave a solid display. He controlled the line of his back four competently, often got the better of Peter Crouch, and made some key interventions.
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- Written by Daniel Hobson
After a match you always feel deflated and today was no different. I’m forever the optimist but even now I’m starting to think our title charge may be coming to an end.
This now places more emphasis on the FA cup meaning Arsene Wenger will now have to field his strongest 11.
Controversy
It was a match full of controversy and the referee should be ashamed of his overall performance. I’m not one to blame referees but Mike Jones was poor and consistently made the wrong decision. The penalty was harsh in my opinion as Koscielny was a foot away and was judged to deliberate handball.
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