Spurs leave it late to beat Arsenal in derby

Mourinho had endured a barrage of criticism as Tottenham slipped out of the race to qualify for the Champions League with just one win in three games. But thanks to Alderweireld's winner with nine minutes left, Tottenham took the local bragging rights and got back in contention for a place in next season's Europa League.

Tottenham are eighth, two points above ninth placed Arsenal and two behind Sheffield United as they try to avoid missing out on European action for the first time since 2009-10. In the first north London derby at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Alexandre Lacazette put Arsenal ahead in the 16th minute with a stunning strike.

The French striker dispossessed Serge Aurier outside the Spurs area before unleashing an unstoppable effort inside the top near corner of the goal. Arsenal's lead lasted just three minutes as Sead Kolasinac's sloppy pass gifted Son Heung-min the ball. Son easily eluded David Luiz before chipping over onrushing keeper Emiliano Martinez. It was the South Korean forward's 17th goal of the season and his first since the coronavirus hiatus.

Ben Davies nearly gave Spurs the lead on the half hour mark but his 30 yard shot was well tipped onto the crossbar by a sensational Emiliano Martinez in the Arsenal goal. The Gunners continued to threaten and Pepe and Aubameyang both hit off target for Mikel Arteta's side before half-time and a draw was a fair score at the interval. 

 

July 12, 2020

The second half had a different feel to it as Arsenal dominated possession early on. They had 87% possession in the opening 10 minutes of the second period, but they did rather little with it. Their clearest opportunity came 14 minutes into the second period through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when his effort struck the crossbar. 

However, Tottenham then came back into the game and Emiliano Martinez had to prevent Spurs scoring twice. First in the 71st minute when Kane went past Mustafi and his pass found Son, but the goalkeeper took the ball of his feet within seconds. Then Martinez had to make a quality save to Harry Kane after being played in by Lucas Moura. 

Either side of the two Spurs opportunities, Aubameyang forced a fine save from Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris in the 79th minute, but three minutes later, Alderweireld won the game for the home side. The Belgian defender rose above a cluster of Arsenal players to meet Son's corner and plant his header past Martinez to give Mourinho's men an important win.