An early second half goal has Tottenham Hotspur back to within one at Arsenal, with the halftime substitution of Jemain Defoe paying immediate dividends. While the diminutive Defoe is known for the work he does with the shot, it was an aerial contribution that was crucial to Gareth Bale's 50th minute goal.
Arsenal Vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Jermain Defoe Pays Immediate Dividends On Gareth Bale’s Goal
The play started with a long ball played from the back by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the short Defoe forced to contest it. Luckily for Spurs, he was tracked from the right by left back Gael Clichy, leaving Arsenal's weakest aerial defender to contest the ball. Defoe won the ball, heading on for an oncoming Rafael van der Vaart, whose lay-off to Gareth Bale put the Welsh winger in on goal. With the outside of his left foot, Bale rolled the ball toward the far post of an charging Lukasz Fabianski, barely slotting it inside the upright.
It was Spurs first real attack of the match, though the execution made it seem Spurs had been unleashing those counters all match. Clichy’s following Defoe toward the middle allowed van der Vaart to take Defoe’s knock-down uncontested. Gareth Bale overlapped from his normal left wing position into the empty space, giving him a clear shot on goal. All the write, Arsenal’s defenders were scurrying to cover the space vacated when Clichy tracked Defoe.
As a result, we have a one goal game at the Emirates, Arsenal still leading 2-1 in the 61st minute.
See More:
