Tottenham v Arsenal: 5 Spurs lessons from the 1-1 draw

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is closed down by Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

3. Moussa Dembele is hugely important

This shouldn’t shock anyone, but this Derby reminded everyone just how important Dembele is for Tottenham. He was an absolute beast against the Gunners and for me, was easily the Man of the Match.

Not surprisingly, he posted the highest Whoscored.com player rating of the match with a score of 8.0. His efforts in the middle of the pitch helped Spurs keep Arsenal’s cadre of attacking talent quiet for long stretches of the match.

It wasn’t just a solid defensive shift for the Belgian midfielder though. He also used his strength on the ball to settle his club into long stretches of attacking possession. Dembele didn’t always carry the ball into the final third, but he steadied his teammates into comfortable possession.

Most fans will remember Dembele just for earning the penalty that led to Harry Kane’s goal, but that doesn’t do his performance justice. When he’s fit and on his game, Dembele is one of the most important players for Tottenham.

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