The Lilywhites came from behind twice to maintain their unbeaten Premier League start away to their north London rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur battled back twice at their arch-rivals’ home earlier today, demonstrating that Ange Postecoglou has utterly transformed this team.
However, among his band of unstoppable heroes, James Maddison and Heung-min Son shone out once more during an exhilarating 2-2 draw.
What roles did James Maddison and Heung-min Son play against Arsenal?
Most Premier League viewers should not be surprised to hear these two names mentioned, as anything excellent that the Lilywhites generate offensively is certain to come from one of these two stars.
The English and South Korean internationals have stepped up to lead the way for a team that looks to them for inspiration as members of the new leadership group established at their north London outfit.
And it was an inspired performance from the duo, with the former Leicester City creator turning provider for Son twice, first with a drilled cross for him to knock in, then picking Jorginho’s pocket and sliding him in for another equalizer.
Aside from that, Maddison would provide three important passes, earning a 7.7 match rating. According to Sofascore, only his striker partner and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka earned more.
So, to argue that there was another exceptional hero who outshone both of these Spurs stalwarts would surprise most, but then again, Yves Bissouma masterclasses are becoming more normal today.
Although Sofascore only gave the former Brighton and Hove Albion enforcer a 6.9 rating, this may understate the importance of the £25 million Mali international in holding the home side at bay.
After all, both of their goals were the result of failures in focus, with the first being a nasty deflection for an own goal and the second being an unfortunate handball from close range.
Bissouma received 71 touches while being efficient in possession to maintain a 94% pass accuracy. Given how aggressively Mikel Arteta’s men pressed at times, remaining so composed in such a high-pressure situation is quite commendable.
After all, both of their goals were the result of failures in focus, with the first being a nasty deflection for an own goal and the second being an unfortunate handball from close range.
Bissouma received 71 touches while being efficient in possession to maintain a 94% pass accuracy. Given how aggressively Mikel Arteta’s men pressed at times, remaining so composed in such a high-pressure situation is quite commendable.
Then, in the Evening Standard’s post-match player evaluations, colleague writer Dan Kilpatrick summarized the midfielder’s performance: “Enjoyed a really good battle with Martin Odegaard, who pressed him relentlessly.” He’s not as dominant as he once was, but he’s still vital to how the Spurs play.”
Traveling to the Emirates and falling behind twice would have seen previous Spurs sides crumble, but with the spine that Bissouma and others now provide, it truly appears that Postecoglou has the foundation of a team ready to expel the struggles of the past and confidently stride into a bright, successful future.
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