When Tottenham beat Arsenal in March it was supposed to be confirmation of a change in fortunes for the two clubs. Not so.
This will make amusing reading for Arsenal fans, and perhaps painful viewing for Tottenham supporters.
With Arsenal mounting a superb comeback to secure a Champions League sport after their worst ever start to a Premier League season, we’ve taken a look at their lowest point – the 2-1 defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane.
That victory on March 3 had appeared to give Tottenham the real edge in the race to finish highest and secure a Champions League place, but the Gunners would stage a late season fightback.
It left fate in their own hands yesterday, with a 1-0 away win at Newcastle enough to complete the turnaround.
We have taken a reflective look at how the papers reported the Spurs win back in March, and picked out some of the comments which Arsenal well and truly proved wrong…
It’s been a long wait. Some 18 years since they finished above Arsenal.
So many false dawns, so many let-downs, so many self-inflicted failures.
But at White Hart Lane last night it felt like a changing of the North London guard. Felt like Spurs are not in the mood to throw it away again.
The Independent: ‘Lethal Spurs signal a changing of guard in north London’:
“Slowly, but perceptibly, these two clubs are passing one other in the natural order: it is Spurs who are the more powerful, the more dangerous and it is Arsenal who put up resistance, much of it admirable, but ultimately doomed to failure.”
… “The decline is incremental. It is not as if Arsenal are bobbing around mid-table, but yesterday was another small descent further into mediocrity.”
“For Spurs this was a record 12th Premier League game without defeat. They have developed a resilience — a change from the past when they have often capitulated when put under pressure.
“Spurs have the momentum and it shows no signs of coming to a halt.”
“Arsene Wenger was first down the tunnel yesterday – and now finds himself in one with no light at the end of it.
“This defeat looks like ensuring that what was already a disappointing season becomes a dismal one.”
Did you expect Spurs to throw their lead away?
image: © tonypeters
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