We rode our luck, especially with referee decisions, but got the three points we absolutely needed. We were flattered by the 0-3 halftime score. An own goal on a corner, a breakaway after a missed penalty call for Spuds, and another goal off a corner gave us what should have been a platform for an easy 45-50 minutes after the break. but when we were cruising comfortably, Raya presented a gift to them and suddenly they were in it. As the minutes ticked down I got complacent again, but then Rice kicked one of their men in the area and Son blasted an unstoppable PK into the net and it's a one goal game with 5 minutes plus stoppage time (6 minutes as it turned out) to get through. There were scares, but the men in white weren't able to push that tying goal into the net. Massive relief.
I thought Tottenham played really well. They outshot us and had more of the ball (not unusual when one team gets ahead early). Some of our guys weren't up to their usual standards. We got robbed of possession numerous times. But the defending was excellent. My view is that Havertz was exceptional for us, Saka very good, but Odegaard and Trossard not as impressive as they have been previously. Partey was fine but did lose the ball a few times. Rice had a good game (despite that pen). Tomiyasu once again is not the slick passer that was required for us to keep moves down the left going. Raya's error was a real howler. He did claim pretty much every cross Tottenham floated in. I'm hoping the Spuds play this well against City--better if possible. They'll give them a game if they do.
April 28 is St. Totteringham's Day this year.
Arsenal is looking good, but they have to win out. Crystal Palace is safe, with three wins in their last four games, but next year they will have to do better. It has been satisfying to see Palace play well and score late and in stoppage time. Wishing you the best of luck against MC May 12.
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