What a turnaround for Tottenham Hotspur! They were just 2 points from 7 premiership games. Juande Ramos was replaced by Harry Redknapp from Portsmouth and then it was 4 points from the next two games, a points increase of 200%.
Tottenham had been struggling to score goals ever since the season began and to score 4 away to London rivals and Title contenders Arsenal, will be a major confidence booster. In a game that was laden with defensive mistakes from both sides, the manner in which Spurs forced the draw spells good omens for the remainder of the season.
In a game played at fantastic pace, Arsenal's Theo Walcott had an early chance in the 10th minute, but his left footed shot passed just wide of the post from 17 yards out.
Then it happened. An absolute Wonder Goal. David Bently shot from 40 yards out with a looping volley that flew into the back of the net. First blood to Tottenham and Harry was jumping off the bench in celebration. It truly was an awesome goal.
Spurs Goalkeeper, Gomez, looked suspect the whole game and surely he will be replaced under the new Redknapp era. He was particularly weak at corners as time and time again he would rush out of goal, with zero chance of getting the ball. This lead to Arsenal equalizing 8 minutes before half time through Mikael Silvestre.
Gallas added a second just after half time and when Adebayor stuck in a third in the 64th for Arsenal, the game looked over... or at least it should have been.
Arsenal failed to close down the game. Darren Bent came on for Pavlyuchenko in the 65th minute and scored just 2 minutes later following an error by gunners goalkeeper Alumunia. 3-2.
Awful defending from Spurs again gifted Adebayor who found Van Persie who scored with a powerful strike in the 68th. 4-2.
From here, Arsenal should have just played the clock down, passed it around until the game was over, but they didn't. Maybe it was cockiness or maybe immaturity from a relatively young side, but they were made to pay. Late goals from Jenas in the 89th, courtesy of a clichy slip and the equalizer in injury time from Aaron Lennon who pounced on the rebound after Modric hit the post from 25 yards out.
4-4 it ended.
One of the most entertaining matches of the season so far. Both sides deserved to get something out the game and Tottenham made a magnificent comeback when the match seemed totally out of their grasp. If new manager Harry Redknapp can keep them playing like this and remove the basic defensive errors, it is hard to see Spurs being in the relegation zone for much longer.
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