Colossal
Oh my days. What a North London Derby. It had the type of intensity that could fuel an interstellar journey through the cosmos. Utterly pulsating and a defining moment in Mauricio Pochettino's tenure that saw his side execute a relentless pressing game. We still need to improve in key areas but our mentality and our desire was wonderful to behold.
Am I being over-dramatic? For sure. If we're going to blog post-mortems after a loss then let's revel in victory. Spurs and their 'special energy' was the coming together of Poch's training (especially with fitness levels) and the responsibility blessed on our academy 'kids'. Add to the mix that for the first time in a long time we are beginning to forge an identity on the field meaning the disconnect that has existed with the supporters is being vanquished.
Arsene Wenger, his side on the front foot in recent games, resorted to a lacklustre strategy that saw them sit back, soak up pressure and counter. Something that worked perfectly for their early 1-0 but ultimately failed by retaining the same defensive stance whilst Spurs pushed for momentum. Their goal (offside?) saw Danny Welbeck easily beat Danny Rose to cross with Olivier Giroud mis-hitting before Mesut Ozil finished. No love lost during the game between the two Dannys, adding to the bruising narrative.
Whilst Arsenal are struggling with their identity, unable to mix a Plan A with a Plan B, Poch has Spurs drilled with a chest thumping willingness to keep on digging in to find a way through. Our final third play was at times frustrating only because of the sheer number of red shirts behind the ball.
I said to myself during half-time that an equaliser would open the game up and that's exactly what happened. Harry Kane, criminally unmarked, reacting after David Ospina pushed out the header from the Erik Lamela corner. We kept pushing forward. They were rattled whilst we pinged the ball around in one frantic passage of constant pressure that screamed 'Spurs in the ascendency'.
Hugo Lloris played his part. These days a world class save is just another save. Danny Welbeck with a superb curling shot, Hugo brilliant with his reaction.
The pressing persisted. Kane leading the line, driving us forward. Nabil Bentaleb immense with discipline. Ryan Mason the personification of the perfect Poch player, tireless.
The cross from Nabil to Kane's head for another late winner, the way he guided the ball past Ospina, was beautiful. Glorious. The emotion on his face for both goals reflective of every Spurs fans reaction to them. His joy at the final whistle, epic. All in his first NLD.
Spurs are slowing evolving into a multi-layered side. A team with quality, passion and character. This is a team of excellent individuals rather than a team with a single world class individual. 15 points won from a losing position. Testament again to our work ethic and belief.
After the game I searched for '2-1' in Maps and wasn't able to find White Hart Lane. I guess Google must still be trolling Spurs fans.
