Sunday, Dec. 2, was billed as “derby day” on the English television networks, with three consecutive local derbies. Fulham vs. Chelsea convened in west London, and Liverpool hosted Everton on Merseyside. Realistically, though, there was one standout game, and it was in north London.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham has been the Premier League’s best fixture over the past decade, combining traditional local rivalry with league table significance. More often than not, it also produces great football. That’s worth remembering, too, among the rush to declare everything about Unai Emery’s reign as a significant shift away from the Arsene Wenger era.wholesale jerseys cheap nfl
Under Wenger, Arsenal had a fine record in north London derbies; the atmosphere at the Emirates was always excellent for the meeting with their fiercest rivals, and even the nature of Sunday’s 4-2 victory felt familiar, as Arsenal came behind to win 5-2 against Tottenham twice in 2012.
Yet the significance of this victory is undeniable. Until now, Arsenal supporters were largely on board with Emery’s regime: Results have been positive though performances have been less impressive. Aside from a 5-1 thrashing of a shambolic Fulham side, there was no statement performance, no victory you’ll recall at the end of the campaign as a genuinely memorable game.
Until now.cheap wholesale nfl jerseys china
Arsenal started this game brilliantly, ended this game brilliantly and the wobble in between will be entirely forgotten because of the dramatic, enthralling nature of the win. Emery’s regime now feels like something to celebrate rather than something to politely accept.
It was evident at full-time that the home supporters enjoyed this one, perhaps more than any Arsenal victory for a few years. There was constant noise, a confrontation with Tottenham players after they equalised and even some flares lit in the second half. The away section emptied far earlier than the home section, which isn’t exactly a regular occurrence at the Emirates. Home supporters were instead on their feet to celebrate goals and, of course, when challenged by their own chants to prove they hate Tottenham.
After a few years spent debating Wenger’s future, with protest banners in the stands and the sky, this feels rather more like a top-level football club should.
