Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Class Makes The Difference Against Arsenal

Tottenham’s central defender, Jan Vertonghen, elated after Spurs vital Premier League win over Arsenal  explained the success as ‘class’ making the difference in a highly competitive match at White Hart Lane.

Jan Vertonghen Class performance against Arsenal [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]The main focus of attention before the north London derby had rightly been on Gareth Bale and whether he could once produce a performance which would take Tottenham to yet another win in what is now eight successes in a run of twelve Premier League games undefeated. Bale scored the opening goal but the win demonstrated that Tottenham are far from what some like to call a “one-man team’. They had top performances from players all over the pitch. Jan Vertonghen acknowledged this in his comment tweeted by @SpursOfficial after the game.

Jan Vertonghen

While Vertonghen was referring to other members of the team, he himself illustrated his world-class credentials with an outstanding defensive display alongside Michael Dawson who captained the team, leading by example and giving his usual totally committed performance. Vertonghen, however, looked much more comfortable playing in his favoured central defensive position. His performances of late have not been as accomplished as Tottenham fans had come to expect after his early season displays but he showed his true qualities against Arsenal. He made vital contributions at crucial times in the game – an early tackle back to dispossess Giroud as he broke into the area, organising the defensive line as Arsenal threatened, getting in powerful headed clearances and remaining cool and composed during the visitor’s late final frenzied endeavours to snatch a point. He was booked midway through the first half but didn’t allow that to affect his overall performance. With Vertonghen in central defence it was like having Ledley King, at his best, restored to a Tottenham shirt.

Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris bring composure to Tottenham defence. [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Behind Vertonghen, Hugo Lloris was once again, in full control. His speed to react to a situation gave the defence confidence, rushing out quickly to collect through balls and coming to clear dangerous crosses from corners. In the final seconds of added time with every Arsenal player in the crowded Tottenham penalty area, Lloris, at full stretch, got his hand to a cross to divert the ball away from danger. He also showed his bravery when going down to collect low crosses at the feet of in-rushing Arsenal strikers. His defenders worked tirelessly in front of him so that any saves were routine but such was his presence that Tottenham were able to defend with confidence throughout.

Gareth Bale

Arsene Wenger insisted before the match that he wasn’t worried by Gareth Bale and that his scoring sequence would soon come to an end. Unfortunate views for the Arsenal manager to express as Bale again showed his class with the first goal, scored so calmly and with passes of pure quality from a central role. His pass to release Jermaine Defoe on the right was outstanding and should have led to a third Tottenham goal when Gylfi Sigurdsson was through with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Aaron Lennon troubled the Arsenal defenders from the opening seconds when he was crudely brought down and worked tirelessly to support Kyle Walker in defensive duties. Mousa Dembele was a power in midfield with Scott Parker working hard and showing a more creative side, carrying the ball and having an assist for Lennon’s goal. Defoe’s return will provide a greater threat going forward as he looks to score, rather than the more languid style of Emmanuel Adebayor.

“Class Told”

In previous north London derbies, class has been the difference on numerous occasions but from a Tottenham viewpoint, unfortunately, the class has always come from an Arsenal player who has been able to make the difference. The list is endless – Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Adebayor, Patrick Vieira and many others have all produced match changing moments in a north London derby.

This time it was Tottenham who had the world class players to make the difference. Arsene Wenger, in his BBC interview, found it difficult to understand,

"“In the first half there was nothing [in it] and then we were 2-0 down. I don’t know how it happened.”"

I can assure Mr Wenger that the difference was made by Tottenham’s world class players – that will be hard for the Arsenal supporters and their French manager to accept after so many years of dominance but on this occasion – it’s FACT!