Arsenal was involved in an emphatic derby day win at the hands of Tottenham yesterday afternoon. But what can Unai Emery’s men learn from the performance?
Winning a derby in any fashion is impressive. However, to show the grit that Arsenal shown against Tottenham yesterday and to come out as 4-2 winners from behind is worthy of all the plaudits. That said, what lessons can be taken?
1. Never talk too early, Eric Dier
In the history of football, has there ever been a player to celebrate a 30th-minute equaliser by shushing the opposing fans? Well, Eric Dier did just that. And he caused quite the ruckus in doing so.
Stephan Lichtsteiner and Aaron Ramsey were involved in reminding him how childish it was. And in the process, Dier told Ramsey to ‘sit down’ on the bench. Well, we all know what happened next. Ramsey came on and assisted two goals, while the winning goal deflected off, you guessed it, Eric Dier.
So, obviously, the Arsenal fans will use this to their full advantage. Dier will soon become a meme amongst the Arsenal faithful, just like Troy Deeney did after commenting on their ‘cojones’ before missing a penalty.
Questions were raised of the Arsenal stars’ mentalities under Unai Emery after they went 1-2 down, especially amid all the scraps. However, they kept their nerve well, and they listed to the Emirates Stadium crowd who sung until their heart’s content.
This lesson goes out to anyone. Whether you’re playing in the garden with your friends or as a professional footballer, save the ‘shush’ until the 90th-minute.