Son shines as Spurs rescue derby draw at Arsenal

Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper #22 David Raya catches the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 24, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Tottenham came from behind twice to rescue a pulsating 2-2 draw against Arsenal thanks to Son Heung-min’s double in Sunday’s north London derby.

Ange Postecoglou’s side trailed to Cristian Romero’s first half own goal before South Korea forward Son hauled them level at the Emirates Stadium.

Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s lead with a second half penalty, but Son had the last word with his second goal as these bitter rivals both extended their unbeaten starts to the Premier League season.

Tottenham sit in fourth place, above fifth placed Arsenal on goal difference, after a hard-fought clash offered more evidence that Postecoglou has revived a club in turmoil when he arrived from Celtic in the close-season.

Although Tottenham have now won just one of their last 31 league trips to Arsenal and remain without a victory on enemy territory since 2010, there was much to admire from Postecoglou’s team.

Not only did they show impressive character to twice hit back from Arsenal’s goals, but they did it with the kind of eye-catching play that was so rarely seen during Antonio Conte’s reign.

Tottenham have scored at least twice in all six league games under Postecoglou despite the close-season departure of the club’s record goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

For Arsenal, it was a frustrating afternoon as they lost ground on leaders Manchester City, who stand four points above them in the title race.

Arsenal tested Tottenham’s mettle in a blistering start as Saka scooped a pin-point cross to the far post,