Christian Eriksen shows just how vital he is to Tottenham despite North London Derby draw
ARSENAL fought back from two goals down to snatch a draw against bitter rivals in the North London Derby. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after a poor Bernd Leno mistake, before Harry Kane stroked home a penalty. But the fightback was on just before half-time when Alexandre Lacazette smashed home from close-range to give the […]
ARSENAL fought back from two goals down to snatch a draw against bitter rivals in the North London Derby.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after a poor Bernd Leno mistake, before Harry Kane stroked home a penalty.
But the fightback was on just before half-time when Alexandre Lacazette smashed home from close-range to give the Gunners hope.
The home side dominated the second period and eventually earned a well-deserved point, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting his toe on the end of a brilliant Guendouzi cross.
But despite the draw, Christian Eriksen really proved his worth to Spurs – they should not let him leave.
What an original take, right?!
But if ever there was a game to prove that point it was today’s 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Arsenal.
The Dane opened the scoring on ten minutes after some sloppy goalkeeping from Bernd Leno gifted him a tap in from Erik Lamela’s effort.
And while that was important, frankly my dog could have scored it and it’s everything else he does that Spurs will miss the most.
Opening strike aside, if Spurs stand any chance of challenging for the title – or at least securing a Champions League place again this season – they need to keep him on their books.
Yes Tottenham have Harry Kane, and yes they have Heung-Min Son but almost EVERYTHING goes through Eriksen before it gets anywhere near them two.
For example, 48 minutes into this afternoon’s game, the ball falls to Eriksen on the edge of his own box.
And with an oh-so-characteristic and equally effortless swivel he turns and sends a left footed half-volley down the field to the awaiting Kane.
Pin-point accuracy into the channel and Tottenham were away.
Now this afternoon’s battle was an end to end one and in games like that, Son comes into his own.
But not all of Tottenham’s games are going to be like that this year – on the contrary, hardly any of them will be.
And that is where Eriksen’s value is most felt.
He is the key that unpicks the lock when Spurs are faced with ten men behind the ball or when things get sticky and the pace of the game has slowed down.
Take Harry Kane’s effort that thundered off the post on the hour mark today.
A simple yet lethal give and go that set Kane away to kill the game but for a fraction of an inch.
Spurs’ next best thing Giovani Lo Celso – who replaced Son in the 78th minute – remains an unknown quantity.
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While the often dubbed ‘overrated’ Dele Alli – talented as the Englishman may be – is far from a like for like replacement.
Just one more day of anxious waiting for Spurs fans before the European transfer window slams shut on Monday.
But no worries, because in the meantime they’ve got a North London derby draw to keep their mind of it.