The first North London Derby of the 2021/22 season saw Arsenal thrash Tottenham Hotspur, who never looked like they would score or get a result at The Emirates.
From the first whistle, Tottenham were on the back foot. Their hosts dominated the ball, were first into every challenge, and wanted to win the game more than their opponents, raising questions as to just how much trouble Spurs could be in.
North London Derby Sees Arsenal Thrash Tottenham Hotspur
First Half Capitualtion Sees Tottenham Fans Heading for Exit
Having lost their last two Premier League games 3-0, Tottenham needed to work hard and get a positive result at The Emirates in the first North London derby of the season. However, in the first half they were slow, sluggish, lacking in desire and were thumped by Arsenal who showed more of everything.
The destruction started after just 12 minutes, with Emile Smith Rowe finding the net after a slick move. The concern for fans and Nuno Espirito Santo will be the ease with which Arsenal waltzed through the Tottenham defence and how much space Smith Rowe had in the box to fire home.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the hosts’ advantage just before the half hour mark, and it got even worse when Bukayo Saka made it three after Harry Kane had lost the ball. Arsenal were in dreamland, while Tottenham were chasing shadows.
The lack of desire was at times unbelievable for those Spurs fans who did decide to put themselves through the pain and continue watching their sides lamentable display.
Lack of Creativity and Quality
There was no doubt that Espirito Santo needed to make changes at half-time, but the changes he did make showed just how much Spurs are lacking strength in-depth and lack game changers.
Japhet Tanganga was run ragged in the first half and was replaced by the more attack-minded Emerson Royal at right back. Dele Alli was anonymous in the first half and his body language, along with many others, will be a huge concern for all at Spurs. He was taken off and replaced with the more industrial Oliver Skipp, but for all the effort he puts in, he is not a creative player who can make things happen.
Benching Summer Signings an Indictment of the Business Done
In the summer, before a manager had been appointed, Daniel Levy brought Fabio Paratici to the club to be in charge of transfer business. Lauded as a clever negotiator, he was seen as being a huge step forced for the club.
So far, though, the new signings have been shown to be nothing more than bit-part players. Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero all started on the bench. It is starting to appear that these signings were not Espirito Santo signings and Tottenham keep ploughing the same furrow they have been since their Champions League Final bow in 2019.
Of the new signings, only Bryan Gil has so far looked anything like a player with potential to add something different to the squad. The Spurs boss has also been left with wantaway star Harry Kane looking devoid of any desire to play for the club and others treading water. Tottenham are lacking leaders on and off the pitch, and it shows.
Son Heung-Min Consolation Can’t Hide Spurs’ Deficiencies
Tottenham fans did get something to cheer when Son Heung-Min powered home in the 78th minute and Lucas Moura – Tottenham’s best player by far – hit the bar in the 91st minute, but it was not enough to change the fact that this North London Derby saw Arsenal thrash Tottenham with some ease.
After three games, Tottenham were top of the table with Arsenal rock bottom, but after this win Arsenal are now above Spurs. The Gunners are picking up momentum whilst Tottenham are going backwards rapidly. Espírito Santo is a likeable manager who rarely makes excuses, but he looked disconsolate and lost on the touchline.
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