A North London derby that ended in a 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Tottenham, as Spurs took the lead through a Nacer Chadli goal before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain equalized, both goals coming in the second half.
Arsenal, with the usual long list of injured players, needed a win to keep up with Chelsea, although not many actually see them as title contenders. The gunners played like a team looking to win while Tottenham seemed to be quite pleased to finish the match in a draw.
They did get what they wish for, but for 18 minutes in the second half (56-to-74) they held the lead. A terrible mistake from both Per Mertesacker and Mathieu Flamini allowed Christian Eriksen to intercept the ball near the penalty box, setting up the Belgian winger for the opening goal.
Arsenal replied by taking off Jack Wilshere and introducing Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean forward was the best player on the pitch through the final 30 minutes and was involved in the equzlier.
Not the “Cleanest of goals” as two players missed the chance to hit it as it traveled through the box, but the England international, scoring his first of the season, managed to come through with what eventually set up a point for Arsenal, who kept on pressing in the final 20 minutes of the match.
Now, Tottenham remain in the higher parts of the midtable, where they’ll probably end up. Arsenal fall six points behind the surging Chelsea, and maybe very soon will keep their sights on another top 4 finish and not an actual championship.
