THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal legend receives a king’s reception, Tottenham draw energy from away supporters and celebs flocked to the Emirates Stadium to watch a thrilling north London derby
- Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw vs Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium
- Robert Pires was lauded by the home fans as Spurs drew energy from their fans
- Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here
Arsenal and Tottenham played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sunday’s north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side went a goal up within half-an-hour, with Bukayo Saka’s striking a shot at goal that was deflected in by Cristian Romero to put the home side a goal up.
But Ange Postecoglou’s side pulled one back just before the break, with James Maddison and Son Heung-min combining to see the South Korean forward secure his first goal of the afternoon.
In the second-half, Saka would convert from the spot after Romero handled the ball inside the penalty area, but it was cancelled out again, with Maddison stealing the ball off Jorginho in midfield, before playing Son in who produced a cool finish to level the scores at 2-2.
Mail Sport’s Isaan Khan was at the Emirates and brings you everything you might have missed from today’s thrilling north London derby.
Tottenham held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw during Sunday’s north London derby with Son Heung-min (pictured) scoring twice in the match
Arsenal went a goal up after Bukayo Saka’s (left) shot was deflected in by Cristian Romero within 30 minutes, before he scored from the spot in the second half
The result means the sides will share the honours with Tottenham sitting one rung above Arsenal in the Premier League standings at fourth
Robert Pires receives a king’s reception
Arsenal supporters could not believe their eyes, club legend Robert Pires sitting within reaching distance behind them in the press seats.
The 49-year-old was swamped on the way to his seat, a couple of fans bowing in his direction. A rendition of ‘Super Robert Pires’ also suddenly broke out in the second half. A king’s reception.
‘Stop facial recognition’
The Metropolitan Police’s use of facial recognition had caused uproar among pockets of fans, including Tottenham’s supporters trust group, prior to the match.
It had been described as ‘Orwellian’ by some. Placards with the words ‘Stop facial recognition’ were held by protestors in the hours before kick-off.
Celebs spotting
Well-known faces from all corners flocked into the Emirates today. Comedian James Cordon, retired long-distance runner Mo Farah and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer were all in attendance, suited and booted.
An eclectic mix, some would say.
‘To be dominant, you have to show passion’
The same pre-match video which greeted PSV before their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League was again on show.
Clips from yesteryear, including the exploits of Ian Wright, Thierry Henry, and Bukayo Saka, featured.
The narrator’s poignant line of ‘To be dominant, you have to show passion and you have to show aggression’, did not go unnoticed.
In the end it did not quite work to the same effect.
Arsenal legend Robert Pires (pictured) was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and was given a king’s reception
James Corden (left) was also photographed in the stands, with Sir Keir Starmer and Mo Farah also being seen at the derby
James Maddison (left) was a stand out for Spurs orchestrating both goals, setting Son up with a lovely piece of individual play for the their first
Arsenal meanwhile continue their unbeaten start to the season and will take on Brentford on Wednesday in the EFL Cup
Spurs draw on away fan’s energy
Spurs moved their pre-match huddle to the corner of the stadium where their own fans are gathered.
It did lift the atmosphere a notch — not that it needed as such, the place already rocking with fervour.
Police presence in north London
Tensions have long been heightened at a North London derby.
It is why today was met by a markedly increased police presence along the roads to the match.
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