“Arsenal gun down North London rivals

by Kali Korbis

Arsenal’s assault on the Premiership title continued dramatically Saturday as the Gunners defeated rivals Spurs 2-1 at Highbury.

Cameroon international Lauren emerged as the Gunners’ unexpected hero, calmly scoring a penalty kick in the 86th minute to give Arsenal a late, but badly needed win. The victory vaulted the Gunners back into first place over Manchester United in what is proving to be an exhilarating finish to the Premiership campaign.

Freddie Ljungberg drew first blood in the bitter North London derby, scoring in the 25th minute to put Arsenal ahead. Dennis Bergkamp’s intelligent through-ball sent Ljungberg toward goal, and the Swede beat Spurs goalkeeper Kasey Keller at the far post for the opening goal.

Bergkamp’s vision and skill proved to be too much for the Tottenham defence, as the Dutchman provided the spark for much of Arsenal’s attack. His playmaking abilities created several excellent chances for the Gunners early on, though Keller was able to thwart them.

However, all of the Gunners’ efforts seemed to be for naught in the 81st minute, when referee Mark Halsey awarded Spurs a penalty kick for a collision between Gus Poyet and David Seaman. Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham looked to give his old side a lifeline in the Premiership race as he slotted the penalty kick past Seaman to even score at 1-1 late in the match.

There was still yet more drama to come in the match, however, as Thierry Henry collapsed in the Spurs penalty box after a challenge from Dean Richards. Halsey again awarded the kick, and Lauren’s resulting goal was sufficient to give the Gunners a last-gasp win.

Arsene Wenger said of his side, “”There was a lot of tension and nerves but we found the mental strength to bounce back. It was an important victory as it is still in our hands.

“”The fact that we won will give us even more belief. Now our performances will decide. We are very confident and we have a great belief in our team that we will do it.

“”Manchester United won earlier against Leicester but that just shows our strength as we were under pressure as we knew we could not slip up.”"

Wenger also noted his confidence in penalty-taker Lauren, who stepped up to the task after Henry was slightly injured, Bergkamp and Edu had been substituted, and Patrick Vieira had declined to take the kick.

“”When Thierry was down, nobody took the ball. But Lauren took the responsibility and did very well,”" Wenger said of the Cameroon-born midfielder, who also has played in the injury-ravaged Arsenal defence this season.

“”I’ve seen so many penalties recently not going in that you’re nervy when the person taking the penalty is not the normal penalty-taker.

“”But what gave me the confidence is that he has scored some important penalties with Cameroon and he has the nerves. He is a strong boy in his head.”"

Teams:

Arsenal: Seaman, Luzhny, Campbell, Adams, Lauren, Wiltord (Dixon 87), Vieira, Edu (Kanu 83), Ljungberg, Henry, Bergkamp (Parlour 72).

Subs Not Used: Keown, Wright.

Booked: Bergkamp.

Tottenham: Keller, King (Davies 45), Perry, Richards, Gardner, Anderton, Sherwood, Ziege (Etherington 78), Poyet, Sheringham, Iversen (Rebrov 53).

Subs Not Used: Thatcher, Herschfeld.

Booked: Poyet, Sheringham, Sherwood, Perry.

Att: 38,186

Ref: M. Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).

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