Arsenal drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s north London derby.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown admits he was impressed by the way Tottenham Hotspur stifled his old side in Sunday’s north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the game, Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino sprang a surprise by switching to a back three – a tactical tweak that even his own players were unaware of until hours before the game.
Although Arsenal did manage to break through, their only goal came courtesy of a Kevin Wimmer own goal, the legitimacy of which has since been heavily debated.
The returning Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot shortly after half time and it was Tottenham who were the more threatening of the two teams from thereon in.
Writing in his weekly column for the Daily Mail, Keown conceded the result was better for the visiting side.
“It was better for Tottenham,” he admitted. “Their players looked pleased with themselves and it will have restored their confidence.
“They played a different system that outfoxed (Arsenal manager, Arsene) Wenger and his staff. One or two players weren’t sure of their roles – (Arsenal midfielder) Mesut Ozil was not sure when to squeeze or press.
“Arsenal looked a little hurried in possession. Tottenham will have come away from the Emirates feeling that they had put on a good away performance.”
Tottenham remain three points off the top four places following the result, which denied Arsenal the chance to go joint top of the league with Liverpool.
Despite their impressive derby display, Spurs are without a win in their last seven matches in all competitions.
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