Tottenham And Arsenal Split Points After Kane’s Controversial Penalty, 1-1

Tottenham and Arsenal split one point apiece today, as the game, between these two fierce rivals, ended with 1-1.

Penalties were in the middle of attention at Wembley. One which was executed shouldn’t even happen, and the other which could have been a game-winner didn’t go in.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyag was the guy who missed the ultimate chance for the Gunners, to leave Wembley with all three points. The pacey striker from Gabon, was brought down in Tottenham’s box in the last minute of the regular part of the game.

He took the ball without hesitation, confidently, and failed to score. Or better to say, Hugo Lloris saved his shot. The French goalkeeper saved his team, and also made a perfect gift for Tottenham’s coach Mauricio Pochettino, who turns 47 today.

“Yes Lloris’ save was a massive present,” said Poch after the match. “I am so happy because we didn’t deserve to lose the game. We were better than them so it would be a shame to lose the game in that way.”

Tottenham did have the initiative, but it couldn’t be said that they outplayed Arsenal, who had a clear vision of what to do today at Wembley. The Gunners came here, waiting for counter-attacks, or some slips of the rival’s back line, and that is exactly what they did.

Arsenal first goal, what did Lorris think of Ramsey!!!! pic.twitter.com/PfS5ci6GVt

— Yus Kiem (@yus_kiem) March 2, 2019

After 16 minutes of play, Davinson Sanches’ sloppy reaction opened up a possibility for the guests to score. Alexander Lacazette stole the ball, gave it to Aaron Ramsey, who sprinted for some 45 yards, before eventually beating Hugo Lloris.

The equalizer came in the 74th minute after Harry Kane converted a penalty made on him. The Greek defender who plays for Arsenal, Sokratis brought down the best English striker, and the referee Anthony Taylor didn’t have any doubts. He immediately pointed towards the spot.

However, that penalty shouldn’t have happened in the first place, and the only reason it did, was the massive mistake of the linesman. He didn’t saw an apparent offside position of several Tottenham’s players, after a set piece which preceded the foul. Among them was Kane also.

After viewing the replay after the game, the scorer himself confirmed that.

“It evens itself out throughout the season and the game had a few not go our way and that one did,” Kane commented about the fact that he and his teammates were caught in offside.

After 28 Premiership games and 32 overall, Tottenham finally played one which ended with a draw. However, the Spurs can’t be very pleased with the way things develop in recent times. This was their third straight match without a win, and they are slowly slipping towards the fight for the Champions League spot. Just three weeks ago, they were chasing the title along with Liverpool and Manchester City.

Unai Emery, Arsenal’s coach was satisfied with the performance of his team, and unlike most of the players and Gunners fans, he didn’t hold any grudges against the referees because of the mistake they made.

“It is difficult for referees. You can analyze with TV, and it is easy, but referees can’t use that now. Maybe today’s match is different with that, but I understand it is difficult.”

1-1 Tottenham, goal by Kane pic.twitter.com/agmDtAx5LH

— planetkick (@planetkickig) March 2, 2019

Arsenal faces Rennes next Thursday in the Europa League round of 16 first leg. Tottenham too has international obligations, as they head for Dortmund tomorrow to meet with Borussia Dortmund. Spurs are near the quarterfinals, after winning the first leg with 3-0.

Their situation in the Premier League is not looking bright at all. Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea are closing down on them. After this match, the Gunners are only four points away, United is five, and Chelsea who has two games in hand eight. Still, don’t forget that Pochettino and the boys have yet to play with Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal has only Manchester United to play against, from top teams, which puts them in a much better position. Plus their head-to-head record is better, because of a 4-2 win in the first half of the season.