Must up ante or on top-four spot
dramatic. But as Vertonghen had almost been in challenging distance of Aubameyang when the Arsenal man struck his illfated penalty, it was a challenge facilitated by an illegal position.
As it was a day for toothcombing the rules, here they are.
If Aubameyang had scored, the goal would have stood.
As he missed and Vertonghen encroached spectacularly, it should be retaken.
Ah, but what if an Arsenal player was also encroaching? No matter, it should still have been retaken.
The bottom line, of course, is that referees stopped checking on and pulling up encroaching players an age ago. Aubameyang was the culpable one with his weak effort.
Had he scored, Arsenal would have claimed a merited win, especially as Alexandre Lacazette had missed a luscious chance to double the lead early in the second half. But, in truth, this was a contest between two teams who looked closely-matched in a bracket some way below the top two.
It was disjointed in large parts and occasionally fractious, none more so than when substitute Lucas Torreira studded Danny Rose’s shins and was sent off in the final throes – one judgment Taylor probably got right. But do not make this outcome about the referee. This was about a gritty comeback not quite taking the spotlight from a faltering Tottenham.
They were not rank bad, but, on this form, it is still a blessing they take a three-goal lead to Dortmund on Tuesday.
Kane said this performance showed fans “we are ready to fight for the rest of the season”. No one doubts that. The only doubt now is whether they can rediscover the sort of form that should have them as very warm favourites in the four-horse race for two Champions League spots.
Because, as spirited as this was, a step up is still needed.
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