Match Report: Four Talking Points from Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Kevin Wimmer a solid backup at centre-back for Spurs

Boasting one of the poorest defences in the Premier League last season, it was no shock to see Tottenham initially sign three defenders once the summer transfer window opened. Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld all arrived from FC Cologne, Burnley and Atletico Madrid, respectively, though it’s the latter who has quickly established himself as a first team regular alongside compatriot Jan Vertonghen. As such, Wimmer was making only his second competitive start for Spurs on Wednesday night, this time lining up alongside Federico Fazio.

The colossal Argentine may have underwhelmed at the heart of the defence, failing to close down Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shot prior to Mathieu Flamini’s opener, but Wimmer was a solid if unspectacular performer in the Spurs backline. Given he was lining up alongside a teammate making his first competitive start of the campaign, Wimmer’s display will certainly have pleased his manager. Only Tom Carroll (63) played more passes of Spurs players than Wimmer (57) at an 89.5% pass success rate, with the 22-year-old abiding by Mauricio Pochettino’s plans to build attacks from the back. The Austrian may have been on the losing side, but there is potential there to push starting centre-backs Vertonghen and Alderweireld for a starting spot.

Harry Kane’s goalscoring woes a concern

Harry Kane has failed to score for his team since Spurs’ 1-0 win over Everton back in May, though it’s not for want of trying. 21 shots in the Premier League this season is the fifth most, while the England international saw a smashing half volley ruled out for offside in the 2-2 draw with Stoke City last month. To add to that, Kane was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against Arsenal. Spurs’ stand-in captain had a second half goal chalked off for offside, before seeing a Robert Lewandowski-esque volley cleared off the line by Kieran Gibbs.

Things, though, just aren’t falling for the 22-year-old at present. Kane mustered 3 shots on goal against Arsenal, but once more drew a blank. Given the club’s inability to sufficiently strengthen the frontline on the back of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor’s respective exits, despite the capture of Heung-min Son, the lack of goals are certainly a concern for Mauricio Pochettino. With Son the only viable alternative to Kane up front, the latter needs to get back among the goals. The welcome of title favourites Manchester City on Saturday is the opportune time to do so. 

Joel Campbell warrants more chances from the off

Joel Campbell was handed a rare start for Arsenal tonight having struggled to impose himself for the Gunners. The Costa Rica star spent last season on loan at Villarreal, yet failed to secure a regular place in the side, making just 16 league starts. However, he came into the XI on the right flank and was somewhat effective at nullifying the marauding Danny Rose, with the left-back limited to just 2 crosses over the 90 minutes.

Part of that was due to Campbell’s persistence on the wing. He made an impressive 5 tackles during his 66 minutes on the pitch and while he didn’t offer a great deal going forward, his tenacity will have appeased manager Arsene Wenger. With Danny Welbeck sidelined until the New Year, Wenger can take solace in that Campbell is capable of stepping into the side and churning out a solid performance, especially as the games begin to come thick and fast.

Mathieu Debuchy is unlikely to regain his starting spot

A shoulder injury sustained last season came at the worst possible time for Mathieu Debuchy, who has since lost his place in the starting XI at the expense of the highly-rated Hector Bellerin. The Frenchman was making only his third competitive start of the season, but he is unlikely to usurp Bellerin in the first team in the foreseeable future, injury or suspension permitting. Debuchy looked out of his depth against Spurs on Wednesday night, with the hosts’ equaliser - a Calum Chambers own goal - coming down Arsenal’s right side.

After picking up a yellow card five minutes before the interval, it was something of a shock to see the right-back start the second half, with Danny Rose in particular getting the better of Debuchy when given the chance to break forward. He may have improved as the second half wore on, but it wasn’t enough to suggest he deserves a regular starting berth at Bellerin’s expense. 

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