Post by Salem6 on Nov 9, 2003 18:23:53 GMT
FA Premiership, Arsenal Stadium, Highbury
Saturday, November 8, 2003. Kick-off: 3pm
REFEREE
Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
ATTENDANCE
38,101
ARSENAL
Jens Lehmann
Lauren
Pascal Cygan 61
Kolo Toure
Sol Campbell
Ashley Cole
Freddie Ljungberg
Ray Parlour
Gilberto
Dennis Bergkamp 61
Robert Pires
Kanu
Edu 82
Thierry Henry
SUBS
Graham Stack
Justin Hoyte
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Kasey Keller
Stephen Carr
Dean Richards
Ledley King
Anthony Gardner
Paul Konchesky
Mbulelo Mabizela 78
Mauricio Taricco
Darren Anderton
Stephane Dalmat
Rohan Ricketts 82
Robbie Keane
Helder Postiga
Bobby Zamora 82
SUBS
Rob Burch
Gary Doherty
ARSENAL 2
Robert Pires 69
Freddie Ljungberg 79
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1
Darren Anderton 5
By Richard Clarke
Two goals in nine minutes late in the second half saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Tottenham at Highbury.
The visitors had taken a shock fifth-minute lead through Darren Anderton and, despite forcing a number of fine saves from THFC keeper Kasey Keller, Arsenal did not breakthrough before half time.
But having kept their Champions League hopes alive with an 88th-minute winner on Wednesday, Arsenal know the value of patience.
In the 69th minute, Robert Pires scored after Thierry Henry had seen his shot saved. Soon afterwards, Freddie Ljungberg’s deflected shot looped over the unfortunate Keller to secure the points.
It sends Arsenal clear at the top of the Premiership and, just as importantly to some, gives their fans the bragging rights in North London.
A slight calf strain ruled out Sylvain Wiltord just before kick. It meant Kanu returned to the starting line-up for the first time in over a year.
As usual, Highbury was vibrant before kick-off. Derby day still creates that special buzz in this part of the capital.
The game had barely started before the drama began. Lauren’s attempted clearance on the corner of the area rebounded off Mauricio Taricco, up from left back. The ball spun across the face of the area and Anderton stole in to poke his shot past Jens Lehmann at the far post.
Henry replied immediately. His bobbling shot from 25 yards was turned past the post by the gymnastic Keller. The American keeper was called into action five minutes later when, after cutting into the area, Henry’s powerful drive forced him to move sharply to his left and divert the ball behind.
As the quarter-hour passed, Arsenal were starting to find their rhythm with Henry drumming out the beat. The Frenchman curled over a free-kick in the 16th minute and then Keller was forced into action again clawing aside Pires’ cross.
However, their goal lead gave THFC the licence to play on the break - something that some hesitancy in the Arsenal defence only served to help. Lauren’s poor backpass sent Helder Postiga clear but the Portguese striker, who is yet to score for Tottenham, dithered over the opportunity and Lehmann gathered.
Despite that glorious chance, the home side were still dominating. Pires swung a free-kick to the far post where Kanu knocked the ball back and only Anderton prevented Ljungberg hooking home at the far post.
There was a couple of minutes delay as Henry received attention after being caught by Stephen Carr. It knocked Arsenal out of their stride temporarily.
Five minutes from the break, another weak back pass from Lauren was again pounced upon Postiga. However Lehmann stood up well in the one-on-one and repelled his shot.
At the start of the second half, Campbell diverted Ledley King’s dangerous cross for a corner then, a minute later, turned Pires’ free-kick into the sidenetting at the other end.
But Arsenal had not recovered their fluency. So it was no surprise when just past the hour, Lauren and Gilberto made way for Pascal Cygan and Dennis Berkgamp.
Henry attempted to raise the tempo. He dispossessed Stephane Dalmat, rode another challenge and then blasted just over the bar.
Then, just as patience was turning into frustration, the equaliser came. Parlour’s raking ball allowed Henry to beat Tottenham’s offside trap. His pace ate up the yards between himself and Keller. The American saved his shot from the corner of the six-yard area but the ball squirmed to Pires at the far post and slotted home.
Arsenal fancied a winner. Henry had a go blasting over after another run. Then, in the 78th minute, Kanu found Ljungberg advancing down the left. He made it to the edge of the area and, with little on, had a try. His shot hit Carr’s outstretched foot, ballooned over Keller and fell into the net.
Highbury was vibrant once more. Tottenham raised their game but never looked like equalising.
