Football: Premier League - Spurs 3, Arsenal 3
Published: 21 April, 2011
by TOM FOOT
ARSENE Wenger insisted that the title race was “wide open” despite dropping another two points against Spurs in a thunderous north London derby last night (Wednesday).
The Gunners failed to make a two-goal lead count in the six-goal thriller, but the Arsenal boss was full of optimism.
He said: “It is completely open. We need to keep our faith and keep battling. It’s disappointing because we had the lead and it was 3-1. But I have to think that we will not always draw when you score three goals.
“I do not know a team that gets hammered like we have for two months, but would turn up with such an attitude. Have you seen the newspapers? The television?
“To recover and come back with such a spirit from what we have been through as a team – it is an outstanding mentality.”
Wenger said negative comments attributed to Cesc Fabregas in a recent interview were fictional and he questioned the journalist’s integrity.
Wenger added: “The whole article is exactly the opposite of what the player said. But we do not give as much importance to the media as you think. Our job is talk a little and do a lot, your job is talk a lot and do little.”
Five first half goals set the tone for a thrilling derby at White Hart Lane.
Goals from Theo Walcott, Rafael van de Vaart, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Tom Huddlestone stoked a red hot atmosphere.
The impressive van de Vaart equalised from the penalty spot on 70 minutes after Aaron Lennon was felled by Wojciech Scezney on 70 minutes.
In the end, a draw seemed a fair result. But it was one that neither side was happy with.
Arsenal are now six points adrift from leaders Manchester United with five games to go.