Aubameyang scores brace as Arsenal fightback stuns Spurs

Arsenal won an explosive north London derby as Pierre -Emerick Aubameyang ’ s brace and Alexandre Lacazette ’ s crucial strike inspired a pulsating 4 -2 win over bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday .Unai Emery ’ s side extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches in all competitions after fighting back from 2 – 1 down in arguably the Premier League’ s game of the season so far .

Aubameyang ’ s penalty had put Arsenal ahead before Eric Dier ’ s header and a Harry Kane spot- kick gave Tottenham the lead at half – time at the Emirates Stadium .

Dier ’ s gloating celebration in front of Arsenal’ s fans had triggered a touchline brawl involving Arsenal substitutes .

But the fireworks were far from over as Aubameyang ’ s superb long- range equaliser sparked a second half surge from the Gunners .

Lacazette came off the bench to put Arsenal ahead and Lucas Torreira sealed the points with his first goal for the club .

Capping a miserable day for Jan Vertonghen , the Tottenham defender was sent off in the closing stages after earlier giving away Arsenal’ s penalty .

It was only Arsenal’ s second win in the last nine league north London derbies and , while stealing local bragging rights is always sweet , this felt like a significant moment for Emery ’ s team in the bigger picture .

Emery has revitalised Arsenal since the depressing final years of Arsene Wenger ’ s reign .

But losses to Manchester City and Chelsea and a draw with Liverpool had raised questions about Arsenal’ s ability to compete for a top four finish .

This stirring comeback was exactly the kind of statement of intent Arsenal needed as they moved above Tottenham into fourth place on goal difference .

Ending their hated neighbours ’ six – match winning run showed Arsenal aren’ t content to let the balance of power in north London remain with Tottenham .

Biting into challenges and harrying Tottenham into panicked mistakes , Arsenal made a blistering start and their relentless tempo paid dividends in the 10 th minute .

Vertonghen jumped with Shkodran Mustafi as they challenged for a corner and the Belgian ’ s raised arm clearly made contact with the ball as he tried to block the Arsenal defender ’ s header .

– Fever pitch –

Referee Mike Dean awarded a penalty and Aubameyang sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the spot for his 11 th goal of the season .

Despite being dominated for the opening half hour, Tottenham snatched a 30 th minute equaliser as the derby reached fever pitch.

Christian Eriksen ’ s inswinging free – kick caught Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka flat -footed and Dier nipped in to head past Bernd Leno’ s weak attempted save .

Dier celebrated by holding his finger to his mouth to indicate the Arsenal fans should keep quiet and his inflammatory gesture quickly sparked a touchline brawl .

Arsenal substitutes Stephan Lichtsteiner and Aaron Ramsey took exception to Dier ’ s taunting , prompting a bout of pushing and shoving .

The goal and subsequent fracas sparked Tottenham into life and four minutes later they were ahead .

Son Heung -Min ’ s pace was too much for Arsenal to handle and Rob Holding responded by making a rash sliding challenge on the South Korean in the penalty area .

There was only minimal contact but Son fell to the turf and , to Arsenal’ s fury , Dean pointed to the spot .

Kane lashed home the penalty for a record – equalling eighth Premier League goal in north London derbies .

Arsenal’ s sense of injustice spurred them on and Emery responded by sending on Ramsey and Lacazette , back from a groin injury , at half -time .

They proved inspired moves as Gabon forward Aubameyang conjured a majestic equaliser in the 56 th minute .

Hector Bellerin ’ s long pass was flicked on by Ramsey and Aubameyang was first to the pass, unleashing a ferocious strike that flashed past the disbelieving Lloris from 20 yards .

Tottenham had reverted to their earlier timid performance and Arsenal went ahead in the 74 th minute .

Lacazette slipped when he took aim from the edge of the area , but his miscued shot took a deflection off Dier and trickled past Lloris .

Torreira delivered the knockout blow three minutes later , running onto Aubameyang ’ s pass and fired low into the far corner .

There was still time for Vertonghen to see red for an 85 th minute lunge on Lacazette that rounded off Arsenal’ s perfect afternoon .

AFP .

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