Arsenal North London Kings

Division 1

Wembley Stadium

Attendance: 89,966

Tottenham vs Arsenal, a fixture many in North London scramble to look for first when the fixtures are made before a single ball is kicked. TFF can still be classed as a new born child at this stage, with the second season drawing to a close. However there's no lack of history between these two sides.

Tottenham held all the bragging rights last season something Arsenal manager Ben Clifford was keen to address. Arsenals 3-0 loss to Spurs the biggest away league defeat under the reign of manager Clifford. Ultimately Spurs finished a single point above Arsenal in 2nd in last season's dramatic title give away, remaining unbeaten against the Gunners with the second North London derby ending in stalemate.

Arsenal do have some positive entry's in the history books their highest scoring league match ? Yep a 5-3 win at home to Spurs earlier on this season a game that saw now Arsenal man Neymar score a brace. Arsenal now seeking to do the first double the North London derby has seen in TFF.

First Half

In the biggest gate of the season our teams got underway, a who's who of footballing excellence on show. The game started brightly with both teams looking to set out a example. The first clear cut chance falling to new boy Higuaín, signed from Juventus. The ball lofted in by Toni Kroos Arsenals captain fantastic Higuaín allowed the ball to come in over this shoulder before swinging his right boot the end result a good save by Leno.

A few moments later and Arsenals second chance of the match with the early pressure keeping most of the Spurs fans on edge. Messi again enjoying a wider role in the side playing in a well timed ball into the path of on coming midfielder Keita in the 12th Minute, Keita - Starting this match due to the injury picked up by Matic. Gathering the ball and quickly brining it under control Keita struck, the ball moving wildly the Spurs keeper left rooted. 1-0 Arsenal.

Spurs seemed rocked by the early onslaught of Arsenal and until then hadn't registered a shot on target. In the 19th Minute frustration seemed to get the better of Mascherano a poor tackle on Kroos leading to a yellow card.

Messi was largely having it all his own way here and he made Spurs pay again in the 27th Minute. linking up well on the left hand side with Azpilcueta, the Spanish LB has been in good form of late and delivered another goal Messi playing the one-two Azpilcueta making no mistake. 2-0 Arsenal.

Spurs needed this frantic first half to be done with but Arsenal have other ideas first and it was that man again Messi. In the 34th Minute fellow Argentine Higuaín turned provider for Messi a sweet left foot shot across the body of Leno. Arsenal 3-0 up all before half time the game as good as over. Frustration was getting the better of the Spurs players as mentioned and in the 36th Bacca with a nasty two footed tackle a proper forwards tackle saw a straight red for his moment of madness.

Second Half

Spurs clearly had a rocket up their backsides during half time. Tottenham manager Jay Jones no amateur and certainly not accustomed to such a poor display from his sides must have had words. Those words still ringing in the ears of his players. So much so Eric Dier became the second man to see red, a high challenge connecting with Kroos' knee serious foul play said the ref and of walked Dier past the steely stare of his manager. Spurs down to 9 men.

In the 57th minute there was reasons to cheer. The two Spurs Brazilians Firmino and Casemiro linking up, Firmino getting on the end of a excellent pass and a cheeky little dink finish over the ex spurs man Lloris. Spurs 1-3 Arsenal.

In the 60th and with Jay clearly unhappy still changes were made, Aurier ex Arsenal man, Mascherano and Kimmich all leaving the field with Mendy, Sule and Werner all coming on, some bench spurs have.

Thoes changes proved not to be enough with Arsenal seeing out the game threating to extend their lead. Messi had a couple more attempts on goal as did Neymar. Many felt Clifford would make changes with a eye on the Champions League semi final against Juventus however Clifford kept his main men out on the field. On the final whistle a small cheer from the away fans, Arsenal successfully completing the first double over Spurs in TFF.

#Arsenal #Tottenham