Sundowns boss Tshwane derby
Aubameyang’s double subdues outplayed Spurs
London - Arsenal won an explosive north London derby as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace and Alexandre Lacazette’s crucial strike inspired a pulsating 4-2 win over bitter rivals Tottenham yesterday.
Unai Emery’s side extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches in all competitions after fighting back from 2-1 down. Aubameyang’s penalty had put Arsenal ahead before Eric Dier’s header and a Harry Kane spot-kick gave Tottenham the lead at half-time at the Emirates Stadium. Dier’s gloating celebration in front of Arsenal’s fans had triggered a touchline brawl involving Arsenal substitutes. But the fireworks were far from over as Aubameyang’s superb long-range equaliser sparked a second half surge from the Gunners. Lacazette came off the bench to put Arsenal ahead and Lucas Torreira sealed the points with his first goal for the club.
Capping a miserable day for Jan Vertonghen, the Tottenham defender was sent off in the closing stages after earlier giving away Arsenal’s penalty. It was on ly Arsenal’s second win in the last nine league north London derbies and, while stealing local bragging rights is always sweet, this felt like a significant moment for Emery’s team in the bigger picture.
Emery has revitalised Arsenal since the depressing final years of Arsene Wenger’s reign. This stirring comeback was exactly the kind of statement of intent Arsenal needed as they moved above Tottenham into fourth place on goal difference. Meanwhile, Chelsea bounced back from their first defeat of the season to see off local rivals Fulham 2-0 yesterday, with goals from Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Elsewhere, a freak injurytime goal from Liverpool substitute Divock Origi settled the Merseyside derby against Everton and kept Jurgen Klopp’s unbeaten team hard on the heels of Premier League pacesetters Manchester
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‘ ‘ Emery has revitalised Arsenal since Wenger era