The North London Derby
This match meant everything to us, if we were to stand any chance of winning the league we had to make sure we won this and pray city slip up. Not only was it crucial for the title but also for who rules North London, it was also a grudge match.
Before the game I knew I had to calm the boys down, they're were anxious and aggressive, they had to cool down, a red card would ruin absolutely everything and we didn't want that.
Before the game team talk: Lads, go out their and just play quality football, wear your heart on your sleeves. Be very careful with your tackles and don't let anyone wind you up. Varane, you know what to do but do it sensibly. Come on lads, North London is red.
FIRST HALF BEGINS
Tottenham were pressing and we just had to sit back and be patient. They had most of the possession and in the 24th minute Emmanuel Adebayor slotted in a shot into the bottom corner leaving Begovic beaten. At that moment I felt a lump in my throat, but I looked at the floor, surely we were not going to lose this game, I looked up and to my shock and delight the players were not upset, they were fired up and motivated, however they were still not playing well and we were getting battered.
First Half Team Talk
I'm going to tell you the truth, we are getting battered. We all know how much we want to win and how much we need to win but playing like this is not going to help. Now go out their and play like there's no tomorrow. This match could determine our season. Come on boys, do it for yourselves, for one another, for me and for your families.
SECOND HALF BEGINS
The boys started playing with flair, passion and fighting spirit I had never seen them play with before. We were going to score and in the 58th minute Walcott sprinted past Dawson before going round Lloris and slotting home. I punched the air with joy but remained calm, the job wasn't done. After that goal tackles started flying in and physios and the medics were constantly on the pitch, this was not a match, THIS WAS WAR!
I looked at my watch 80 minutes had been played. We couldn't possibly settle for a draw we had to win. I shouted '' ALL OUT, ALL OUT''. Steve Bould said this was a risk because if Spurs were to counter attack we were done for but I had faith in my players. Time was running out, I felt the pressure on me. Then the unthinkable happenened.
Santi Cazorla from 40 yards out saw Lloris off his line and chipped the ball high. The stadium went silent for 6 seconds. As the ball was in the air I prayed. Suddenly I heard the net swish. ''YEEEES'' I screamed. I ran unto the pitch and did my favorite knee slide. We had done it we had surely won the game.
Blow the whistle the whole Arsenal bench were screaming and that's what the referee did.
Then it happened....
Varane went over to shake Bale's hand and Bale pushed him away and told him to f*** off. The two of them went head to head and Bale threw a punch at Varane who also threw one back. The two players had to be seperated but when we got into the tunnel it got worse. They were swearing at each other and shoving each other. The spurs players ganged up on Varane but before I knew it the whole Arsenal team were there to support him, it had turned into a Royal Rumble. Andres Villas Boas came up to me and told me I caused it and I spoke my mind which led to us going to head to head. Police had to separate the two teams as there was quite a bit of blood...
![]()
