Tottenham’s Harry Kane returns from injury to foil Arsenal in thrilling North London derby
Spurs talisman scores from the penalty spot to cancel out Kevin Wimmer’s own goal in 1-1 draw in North London derby
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Harry Kane marked his return from injury with the equaliser as Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 at Arsenal on Sunday to keep their arch-rivals from the Premier League summit.
Arsenal took the lead late in the first half courtesy of Kevin Wimmer’s own goal, but Kane levelled from the penalty spot early in the second period after a foul on Mousa Dembele by Laurent Koscielny.
Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has now gone five league games without beating Spurs for the first time, while Mauricio Pochettino is the first Tottenham manager to avoid defeat in his first five top-flight North London derbies.
Spurs welcomed back talisman Kane after seven weeks out with ankle ligament damage, but Dele Alli was absent due to a knee injury that will keep him out of action for England over the international break.
Wenger, speaking to BBC Sport, said: “It is disappointing to drop two points at home. We created plenty of chances in dangerous situations.
“In the second half we looked more laboured, there were plenty of aspects I did not like, the desire was there but we were too nervous.
“We lacked what we are strong at; the fluency of movement, vision around the box. We usually play better from the back, there was a lot missing.”
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, told BT Sport: “It was a strong performance from my team. Arsenal were on a good run, our players deserve full credit, they were fantastic.
“They played well, we created some chances to win the game, it was very competitive and good to see.”
Later, Wenger said Spurs midfielder Victor Wanyama had been “very lucky” to avoid a red card during the match.
The Kenyan midfielder proved his usual bustling presence at the base of Spurs’ midfield and despite a flare-up with Theo Walcott late in the first half, he avoided a booking.
“He was very lucky to stay on the pitch, of course,” Wenger told his post-match press conference.
“A few fouls, the elbow on Walcott for example. We have to cope with that. The referee makes the decisions.”
