Arsenal: North London Derby demonstrates true Gunner mettle re-instilled

An exciting North London derby always breeds countless questions. Chief amongst them, what does Arsenal’s 2-2 comeback say about their squad? We discuss

A North London derby draw is not always impressive when judged by itself in a vacuum. This particular North London derby was an impressive display of mettle after Arsenal quickly fell behind 2-0. An error by Bernd Leno allowed Christian Erickson’s goal before Granit Xhaka’s aggression gave Harry Kane a penalty opportunity he would not miss. Last seasons Arsenal squad could not demonstrate the determination necessary to bring a 2-0 deficit against difficult opposition back to a draw in the manner they did consistently, and that is real progress.

Answering the two early errors with an Alexandre Lacazette strike before half time was huge. It certainly aided in eliminating any momentum still with Spurs from their two early goals, and gave Arsenal real confidence with 45 minutes left to draw. Should they play their cards properly, they may even move ahead of Tottenham with quality offensive chances with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pépé.

The second half was a pure display of control and domination by Arsenal, plain and simple. Bossed by Matteo Guendouzi and ignited by Dani Ceballos after the 63’ minute, Arsenal’s depth and class were in full display against Spurs. Tottenham appeared far slower and less fluid in operation than did the Gunners over the latter 45’ and Spurs were lucky to escape with a draw.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 71’ goal from Matteo Guendouzi’s brilliantly feathered pass brought the game level. After full blown disaster in the games first 40’ from Arsenal, this relatively rapid turn of events demonstrates a quality that the Gunners have lacked going back over the last couple seasons of Arsène Wenger. It indeed bled into Unai Emery’s first campaign in North London, frustrating his attempts to win any hardware in his first year.

Determination is a word thrown around loosely in sports, and certainly a single humans determination varies in consequence from sport to sport. Herculean efforts in Golf, Tennis, Bodybuilding directly impacts the results the individual garners; A Center-fielders efforts in a baseball game amount to little should his club fail to pitch, hit or field appropriately around him.

For Football, it is more the latter than the former. Without an entire team of confidence and determination, the best players shine apart from the club, not in unison with its success. In the final years of Arsène Wenger’s legendary Arsenal reign, the total determination of the team began to falter. The team, lacking discipline or organization was a husk of its former self, despite bright spots from individuals like Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla  (when healthy), Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Özil or Olivier Giroud.

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As Arsenal vacillated between wonderful and terrible forms last year, you could see the teams lack of cohesion still apparent. Experimenting with shapes and starting 11’s was Unai Emery’s best means to find both the perfect shape for the most versatile players on his squad, but also to determine other qualities.

Emery needed to see who amongst his roster of players young and old were truly bought into the spirit of what he now wanted from Arsenal F.C.. After all, Unai Emery was asking for lots more organizationally speaking than Arsène Wenger had, having relied for so long on artistry and pace.

This campaign feels different across the board. After winning the first two games against Newcastle and Burnley, adversity has not shone poorly on the Gunners. A 3-1 loss against Liverpool showed grit to a simply better club currently, not forever; the draw against Spurs is a further step in the correct direction.

The draw against Tottenham in this North London derby, could’ve very easily been a remarkable comeback victory. The disallowed goal by Sokratis, the long strike by Dani Ceballos just high of the net or any number of Pépé strikes slightly mis-hit could all have turned the game in total favor of Arsenal. That they did not succeed totally on Sunday should not be a discouraging finish, but one of the greatest encouragement.

Arsenal is on an upward trajectory currently, while teams like Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are on the downturn. How they can continue to grow and evolve with the bevy of talent available at every level of the team. The absence of Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin further add hope to the teams potential this season. Their additions back into the squad later this month will add to the defensive and offensive abilities Arsenal’s backline are capable of, and consequently the teams total potential.

Arsenal’s ascendency comes as youth is pervading the squad, and this is no coincidence. Names like the aforementioned Tierney and Bellerin, alongside those like Joe Willock, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pépé are the future and that future is now.

The mettle shown by Arsenal will only continue to foment and intertwine itself with the very essence of any squad Unai Emery puts forth; for Tottenham, a North London derby draw early this season could very well be seen by the end of the Premier League Season as the best result they could expect against Arsenal this campaign.