North London derby fallout: 3 talking points as Arsenal and Spurs play 2-2 draw

The North London derby saw Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal share points after a 2-2 draw between the two clubs. Spurs talisman Son Heung-Min scored a brace, with both of his goals assisted by new signing James Maddison. On the other hand, Bukayo Saka and an own goal from Cristian Romero helped the Gunners salvage a point at home. 

Arsenal came into the game trying to win a third straight North London derby, but were disappointed in that aspect. Both teams, however, were able to remain unbeaten and are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League. 

Here are the key talking points from the derby: 

North London derby fallout: 3 talking points to note

Bottleham no more? 

Tottenham had earned a reputation for dropping points and slipping up while having a winning position. But that no longer looks to be the case with a mature lineup under Ange Postecoglou, which plays brilliant attacking football. 

Although they would have wanted to win the game, a hard-fought draw against one of the strongest teams in the Premier League is still something to be proud of. Spurs’ reinvention has been entertaining to watch, especially after the departure of Harry Kane and the fact that people wrote off Postecoglou before he had even managed a game. 

Arsenal need to be more clinical 

The Gunners finished with an xG of 2.19 in comparison to Spurs’ 1.31. Manchester City have set the standard outrageously high in the Premier League over the last few seasons and Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to turn the draws into wins to stay at par with a team that rarely ever loses. 

No Kane no problem 

Son Heung-Min has been played as the number nine following Harry Kane’s move to Bayern. And the new club captain has excelled in the role, scoring five goals already this season. 

James Maddison’s creativity has been fully utilised by Postecoglou, and this truly feels like the beginning of a new era for the Lilywhites. Whether they are able to finish in the top four or even challenge for the title is something that will be clear later in the season. 

But their start to the season has been perfect, especially considering the run of games that they have ahead of them.