Arsenal vs Tottenham: Five things we learnt as Granit Xhaka answers his critics and Champions League takes its toll

Both Arsenal and Tottenham had chances to win the first north London derby of the season but lacked that touch of quality to snatch all three points

Jan Vertonghen clashes with a number of Arsenal players after Theo Walcott was fouled (AFP/Getty)

Kane’s finishing instinct can’t be replaced, but he lacked sharpness

It was immediately clear that Tottenham’s goal threat was back. The return of Harry Kane almost paid off in the first half when his glancing header narrowly missed creeping inside the far post, and had he been at full match fitness, there’s a case to argue that he would have got himself onto the end of Son Heung-min’s dangerous cross before that.

But as it was, a seven-week lay-off took its toll. Kane just lacked that half a step needed to make the difference, with his touch letting him down on occasion. That said, you could see the difference between him and Vincent Janssen, left on the bench, with the amount of dangerous balls Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi had to deal with.

Sometimes all it takes is a chance to get back in your stride, and that chance came when Koscielny tripped Mousa Dembele and gifted Kane the chance to strike from the penalty spot.

Kane celebrates his equaliser (Getty)

Xhaka playing his way into Cazorla’s role

Heading into his first north London derby, the pressure appeared to be on Granit Xhaka and his well-documented disciplinary record, having been sent-off in his last league outing at the Emirates against Swansea. Even Arsene Wenger addressed it in his pre-match press conference, and confirmed he had spoken to Xhaka about improving his temperament.

But instead of cracking under the pressure, Xhaka thrived. He was undoubtedly the best player of the first half, and his defensive responsibilities along with Francis Coquelin saw the pair get the better of Dembele and Wanyama – just. However, the Swiss also displayed a wonderful touch with the ball at his feet.

With Santi Cazorla now 31 years old and not yet guaranteed a contract beyond next season, Xhaka looks like the future for the Arsenal midfield.

Arsenal still don’t convince at the back despite improvements

For everything that Mustafi has brought to the side this season, he’s still just short of the talent of Koscielny. The pair work very well together, but Mustafi just has that odd mistake in his locker. He was left exposed when Son spun past and sprinted away from him in the opening minutes, and for all his dominance in the air, it looks like it is on the floor against speed merchants were he struggles a bit.

Mustafi remains the best option Wenger has had to partner Koscielny – who despite conceding the penalty still looked the most assured defender out there – but as time wears on we’ll understand more if he is the long-term solution to the Arsenal defence.

Pochettino’s Wimmer gamble fails to pay off

Kevin Wimmer was a surprise inclusion when then team sheets landed in the media centre, half-caused by Dele Alli’s absence and also by Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to switch to a 3-4-3. It was a decision that sparked questions, and almost immediately provided the wrong answers for the Spurs manager.

Wimmer charged late into Coquelin to pick up a yellow card in the sixth minute, and it would only get worse when he headed the ball into his own net from Özil’s free-kick. Having been deployed in the centre of Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier, it was a move that didn’t pay off. Wimmer is out of favour with Pochettino, and if the Argentine is to stick with this 3-4-3 formation, then he needs to wait until Toby Alderweireld is fit to return.

Kevin Wimmer accidentally heads the ball into his own net to hand Arsenal the lead (Getty)

Europe takes its toll – again

Two weeks’ ago, all four Champions League sides failed to win their first Premier League game after their exploits in Europe. Come full-time at the Emirates, only Leicester City had the chance to buck that trend but they too fell short after losing 2-1 to West Brom. Manchester City were held by Middlesbrough despite taking a wave of momentum from their victory over Barcelona, and come the final five minutes of the north London derby, both Arsenal and Spurs looked to be running on empty.

Both teams had chances in the final stages of the match to win it, but they just lacked that something extra in the tank to snatch the three points. Son was not able to capitalise on Petr Cech’s ill-timed slip that would have left the South Korean unopposed and through on goal, while both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil looked to run out of gas. On that basis, both managers will have been relieved to not suffer defeat, even if it did end in a frustrating stalemate.