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The NLD

For the first time since I started watching football, I am watching the North London Derby with some trepidation. Never did I imagine Spurs being superior opponents to Arsenal, and that too at the Emirates. But here we are, hoping Arsenal beat their nemesis.

First 30 minutes are cagey, with each team prodding the other, creating not many high quality chances. One really good chance for Arsenal, as Bellerin fires one into the 6 yard box only for Lacazette to miss the connection from between two Spurs defenders

36th minute, just as I think Arsenal never score first in such games, Mustafi puts the ball in the net for Arsenal! Beautiful cross from Ozil resulting from a freekick. Mustafi with the sweetest of connections, from the penalty spot. Game on, Spurs need to come out and attack, which might just suit Arsenal. My fear hasn’t completely subsided, and if Arsenal concede before half time, I won't be surprised.






Mike Dean is one of the most useless referees of all time. Ozil being fouled, he managed to wriggle free, only for Dean to pull back play to give a freekick. Arsenal had a good counter attack possible. Sometimes I wonder, how much dirty information does Dean have on the Premier League honchos, because there is no other way he is a top level referee otherwise.

Alexis Sanchez scores! Am I in dreamland!? Lacazette on the shoulder of the Spurs defence, beautiful control from Sanchez, and he fires it into the roof of the net to make it 2-0!




Aww Harry Kane, nice try. I can't wait for you to go home empty handed. But you are our Achilles heel, and I know you will find a way to score :( Though I sincerely hope we keep a clean  sheet.

Hahaha, poor Spurs, poor Pochettino, going into half time 2 goals down. I can hear Dele Alli swearing and kicking bottles in the dressing room.

Arsenal playing the counter attack game well. Ramsey playing deeper, like a CM, which is what we need right now. Come on Ramsey, stay back. Attack is the least of your priorities now!

Eriksen shoots, towards his homeland! Come on Eriksen, do better. Meanwhile, Ozil good tackling, and good amount of dirty work! Ozil is being serenaded by the Arsenal faithful, indicative of his good performance today.



Xhaka needs to be careful, after already receiving his customary yellow. If I were Wenger, I will replace him right NOW. Coquelin is good enough for the last 20 minutes. Coquelin comes on, but for Lacazette! When will he play the full 90? Well, Sanchez is the centre forward, looking forward to this, counter is one of his strengths.

Haha, Kane, go home, thanks for not scoring. Bye Dele Alli, totally ineffective against Kostafi. Heung Min Son is a tricky customer though.





Ozil gets a standing ovation on his substitution, Iwobi to fill his boots. A fresh Iwobi is a threat too. Come on you Gunners! Make it 3-0, please. Spurs fans are heading for the exit.

Iwobi, Sanchez, Kolasinac, Xhaka, someone please shoot! This attack comes to a sad end with a throw in for Spurs. Arsenal never looked like conceding a goal, but that is more due to the fact that Tottenham were listless in attack, than Arsenal being brilliant in defence.

Oh Sanchez! Why you no score? To be fair, Lloris did  a great job of smothering his shot.




Arsenal win! After 3 and a half long years, Arsenal finally beat Spurs at home. I'm going to enjoy this day.



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