Match Report: Arsenic 2 Spurs 2, another magnificent performance from our boys!
They said it all ended even and fair (and who are they? The biased commentators and Gooner lovers). But that is bollocks… we had most of the possession, and of course, they got their goals from an own goal and a dubious penalty. At the same time, we got two good, excellent, clean and clear goals, assisted by Maddison. And, of course, we were in enemy territory. So, if anybody tells you that the game ended fair, then they are talking bollocks. I listened to Ray Parlour and Piers Morgan, who thought Arsenic and Old Lace were better. WTF… who do those pair of imbeciles support? Say no more! Yes, to reality and no to Arsenic Twilight zone up your arse biased viewing mentality…. I bet they love playing fantasy football!
A couple of years ago – or maybe not that long ago – if we had gone a goal down, we would have thrown in the towel… but not anymore; we kept fighting and fighting until we got that goal. As witnessed at Brentford, the Tottenham stadium against Sheffield United and again in the crime-ridden area of Arsenic land of the Emirates stadium.
[if you don’t know what I am talking about when I say crime-ridden area, just read my previous blog; click on the link HERE.]
The match…
I say the match, but it all started for us when Mel picked up at 9 am Sunday morning and took a quick trip to the hijackers of North London (Arsenic originally came from Woolwich and named after the area they came from) and then found somewhere to eat… being Gooners territory there was only second-rate lowly food outlets… so we had to make do. Once we replenished ourselves, we made our way to the stadium, greeted the Spurs Stewards, went into the stadium and were met by fellow fans. After chatting, we then made our way to our seats. I was lucky as I was sitting in the front row, where there was nobody in front of me (and for my troubles I was shown on TV when we scored an equaliser… Please, no autographs… well, ok… but just a few…. I’ve got to keep my insanity intact – hark, I can hear the sounds of ambulances and their whited-coated crew getting closer).
… finally, to the match…
We came from behind twice to secure a hard-earned point in the north London derby against the Gooners in a thriller at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenic and Old Lace took the lead after 26 minutes because of an own goal (deflected in by Cristian Romero).
Aaron Ramsdale made two fine saves from Brennan Johson as we pursued an equaliser.
However, Raya should have done better when we levelled three minutes before half-time. He could only claw away a cross, allowing an attack to continue, ending with James Maddison crossing for Son to equalise with a good finish (a nice clean goal, as opposed to their lucky own goal).
The Gooners restored their lead after 54 minutes when Romero was penalised for a dubious handball following the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee, Saka scoring from the spot.
However, we exemplified our newfound positive approach. We were back on terms almost instantly when Jorginho, as a half-time substitute for the injured Declan Rice, lost possession to Maddison, who played in Son for another cool finish (second clean goal by us).
Thoughts…
I predicted 3-2 to us, Mel predicted 2-2, and it ended 2-2, but we all agreed that Arsenic and Old Lace were the jammy bastards… they had the luck of sneak thieves in the night. If the match had been decided on points, then we would have been clear winners, but sadly, with the help of VAR, it could only go one way for the home team (in their favour… I am talking about the questionable penalty).
Our positiveness and entertaining start to the season under Postecoglou has sparked real sanguinity, but this was the biggest test of the post-Harry Kane era so far. This upbeat mood will certainly be maintained after the style in which we not only approached this game, determined not to simply sit back, but also how we replied after going behind twice to return and earn ourselves a point.
Like in the past, we had to suffer under pressure, which was unavoidable, but we never bowed and were always prepared to take the chance to attack when the opportunity arose, and it always did.
Maddison and Son were an inspiration who were at the heart of both our goals; Maddison was the creator, and Son, the scorer. Both players seemed tuned into the same wavelength, and we were the grateful recipients.
Additionally, we were equally impressed when the Arsenic Gooners tried to mount one of their late brand rallies, resilient at the back but ready to spring forward even in those added 10 minutes.
Looking around the stadium, there was no doubt which set of supporters were the happiest as Postecoglou came over to our end, clenched his fists and applauded us, the loyal travelling fans, after the final whistle. This season, it has always been a happy journey home… Postecoglou has been a breath of fresh air since he came to our club. He knows our ways, our history and what makes us tick. So far, he has only made one slip up, and that was making nine changes in our League Cup encounter against Fulham… even then – in a 1-all draw – our goal was legitimate, and theirs was gained by an own goal; we finally went out on penalties. If we had the full complement, we would have walked it and be in the next round of that competition. Never mind, there will always be the FA Cup to correct past failures (the League Cup is one of the lowliest competitions one can win… and which, I might add, was the only trophy Levy managed to win under his and Lewis’ eyes.)
As I said in previous blogs, Arsenic and Old Lace was one of three tests (to see how far we have come); the other will be next week (the Scousers), followed by City on the 2nd of December. Oh… and should I mention Pochettino’s Blue strugglers – who again got beaten, this time by Aston Villa, at Stamford Bridge. That game (Spurs vs Chelski) will be a battle of our new manager against the jilted bride. Strugglers/ relegation possibilities against the high flyers. Wouldn’t that be a game to see?
Until next time, COYS!
Up the Spurs!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
