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Mathieu Flamini’s brace helped Arsenal win 2-1 away at Tottenham Hotspur in the North London DerbyAway from the glitz and glamour of the English Premier League, local rivals Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal faced off in the Capital One Cup at White Hart Lane – a competition which has often been considered insignificant by some top managers. The starting eleven of both sides depicted that both managers were ready to rest some key players with some important games coming up this weekend.Yet on paper, Arsenal had the better side. In spite of that, Spurs were often the better side playing some attractive football when chasing the game. Arsenal though did what was needed – picking up the win and qualifying for the next round thanks to a brace from Mathieu Flamini.
#1 Where is the \"HurriKane\"?
Right from the start of the season, last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year has struggled to score goals. In the initial games, it was largely attributed to the absence of Danish midfielder Cristian Eriksen who was out injury.
Even after his return, things haven’t changed. The arrival of South Korean Son has also not made much of a difference to Kane. It is quite apparent that there is immense pressure on him and that, along with his lack of confidence, has really affected him. Though he did score once, it was flagged for offside.
There were a few chances on Wednesday night which the Harry Kane of last season would have converted with ease and fans would be eager to see that Kane return. Just like last season, he holds the key to what Spurs eventually achieve at the end of the season.
#2 Arsenal\'s Flamini problem
French midfielder Mathieu Flamini was asked to find a different club in the summer window with Arsene Wenger making it apparent that he would no longer fit in. But Flamini’s performance on Wednesday night will surely put pressure on Wenger.
The 31-year-old was not at his best by any means, but the two goals that he scored and the defensive work that he did was vital considering Arsenal midfielders this season have put in below par performances. And being one of the senior players in the squad, he knows how important a North London Derby is.
The Capital One Cup is where Flamini is expected to feature and he will like to put in more performances like this thereby putting pressure on others as he fights to stake his claim in the first team.
#3 Experienced players disappoint
Some of the experienced players in Mauricio Pochettino’s side will have to answer some questions regarding their performances. Federico Fazio was abysmal at the heart of the defence, Nacer Chadli was poor, Eriksen and Kane were disappointing and Andros Townsend just wasn’t good enough on the night.
The Fazio-Carroll duo was certainly not one the fans would have expected for such a high-profile game. Fazio made a number of mistakes and was often caught by the speed of the game in England.
Starting Son could have been a better option as he is fresh and high on confidence. His entry in the second half rejuvenated the men in white but not enough to force a result as the Gunners came away with the spoils and bragging rights.
#4 Arsenal\'s woes up front continue
Arsene Wenger didn’t sign any marquee striker this summer. But after Olivier Giroud’s performance last night, he may slowly start regretting his decision to not sign a quality striker.
Just like his Spurs counterpart Harry Kane, Giroud is struggling as well. He was below par against Spurs and that has been the case thus far this season. He has misfired on a number of occasions and hence has often been replaced with Theo Walcott in the starting lineup, who himself hasn’t been wonderful.
The goals for Arsenal just haven’t come this season. Arsenal needed goals from Flamini who prior to two goals at the Lane had only scored once in the whole of last season. Alexis Sanchez is also struggling to get back in the groove after his Copa America triumph while Joel Campbell hasn’t had a decent run of games for the Gunners.
If Arsenal are to challenge for the EPL and do well in the Champions League, the goals have to come from their strike force with their midfielders also failing to fire.
#5 Will Danny Rose finally earn his first England cap?
The Premier League has often produced some great English left backs who have gone on to represent the Three Lions. They have been lethal going forward and rock solid at the back. The current crop includes the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw, Leighton Baines and Danny Rose. With both Baines and Shaw out, either Gibbs or Rose is expected to fill in the England slot.
Wednesday night’s clash featured both Gibbs and Rose and there is no doubt that Rose is edging closer to getting his first senior England cap. He was wonderful last season and has continued from where he left off.
The Spurs full-back was brilliant going forward and it was largely due to his runs that the Lilywhites threatened down the left flank. His touch to go past Mathieu Debuchy just before half time was a treat to watch.
With the international games coming up in a few weeks’ time, it is largely expected that Roy Hodgson will pick Danny Rose to play in one of the games, thereby fulfilling a childhood dream for this young lad.
