Tottenham comeback stuns rueful Arsenal
Saturday, November 20, 2010
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Tottenham Hotspur FC denied Arsenal FC top spot, coming from two down to win their derby 3-2, and leaders Chelsea FC also lost to allow Manchester United FC to join them at the summit.
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Arsenal FC blew the chance to take over at the Premier League summit by losing 3-2 at home to rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC but leaders Chelsea FC failed to capitalise as they fell to a third defeat in four.
Arsène Wenger's men – two points off the top going into the early game – were cruising in the north London derby when Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh struck in the first 27 minutes but Spurs produced an astonishing comeback.
Gareth Bale reduced arrears five minutes after half-time and Rafael van der Vaart levelled from the penalty spot midway through the second period after a handball by Cesc Fàbregas. The Dutchman then turned provider as his inswinging free-kick was nodded in by Younes Kaboul with five minutes left.
Chelsea failed to pull away, however, as Lee Bowyer's first-half effort condemned them at Birmingham City FC and to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since May 2006.
Manchester United FC are now level on points, Patrice Evra and Javier Hernández scoring in either half for a 2-0 win against a Wigan Athletic FC side that finished with nine men. Bolton Wanderers FC remain fifth thanks to a 5-1 victory against Newcastle United FC, Liverpool FC, Blackpool FC and Stoke City FC also won.
