Arsenal lost the chance to close the gap on their arch-rivals as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Considering the nature of the game, getting a point from that ground was not a bad option but the circumstances that surrounded the outcome of that match made it painful - team selection was not the problem this time. It was all balanced in the starting and on the bench.
Aaron Ramsey in his final North London derby gave the Gunners the lead in the 16th minute. The Wales international ran through from his own half, faked a shot before making a quick move round Hugo Lloris to convert coolly into the net. The 28-year-old's overall display reminded us of the void he will leave when he joins Juventus at the end of the season.
Bernd Leno's superb double to deny Christian Eriksen and Moussa Sissoko ensured Arsenal maintained the lead till half-time. It could have been extended but Alexandre Lacazette's second half miss prevented that.
His save was biblical and breathtaking! 🔴⚪️🙌🏻⚽️✊🏻😎👏🏻 He is making a difference to Arsenal and he will fit in! Good job Leno!— Angus Walsh (@WalshAngus) March 3, 2019
That save wow. I haven’t seen one like that in years from any goalie.— I_dude (@gunners_4eva1) March 3, 2019
That second save from Leno yesterday was pure sauce.— Alf (@AlfieBird1) March 3, 2019
That double save from Leno yesterday was world class👏🏻👏🏻— Ni (@ll41999062) March 3, 2019
Leno can save the universe from Thanos😉— Ma¥ boi (@walethesir) March 3, 2019
If David De Gea pulled off that double save that Leno did yesterday twitter would have gone mad about it!— Gavin Kinsley (@gavkinsley) March 3, 2019
was a good game though tbf, leno turned into fucking spider-man with that double save though— geörge (@georgebowles1) March 3, 2019
That save was as good as scoring a goal... great stuff @Bernd_Leno!!! https://t.co/lQQqbVkRhq— Rochelle (@RochelleSS) March 3, 2019
Thought we had the better chances in the game. Their best chances came on the Leno double save and the penalty. Laca had two gilt edge chances and we were effective on the counter. Poch can be as delusional as he wants they were never in control.— You Are My Arsenal (@YouAreMyArsenal) March 3, 2019
unreal save that Leno one— Louis Crawford (@LouisCrawford10) March 3, 2019
Leno, that save he had yesterday was amazing, and he has been consistent throughout this year, which kepa has also done, but Leno seems like a better overall keeper— 🇦🇷(Follow Limit) (@AgueroRole) March 3, 2019
No much talk on the @Bernd_Leno double save in the NLD by the English press. If it were to be De Gea... The anti-Arsenal agenda still lives.— Ameh Joseph (@Jossey_Official) March 3, 2019
The chance came for Arsenal to reclaim the lead in injury time. Aubameyang got a penalty that was saved by the home goalkeeper and as if that was not enough grief, Lucas Torreira got marching orders for a careless challenge on Danny Rose few seconds to full-time.
"Half bread is better than none", the say, but yesterday's half bread could have been a whole if not for the baker's negligence. Now, the hopes for a top-four finish is facing a bigger threat with Manchester United having pushed us down to fifth place with their 3-2 win over Southampton.
Europa League action resumes this week. Arsenal will face Rennes (A) in the first leg of the last 16 fixture, then host the Red Devils at the Emirates on Sunday - a game which will be a big decider for both sides in their tussle for Champions League qualification.
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