Tottenham match-winner Toby Alderweireld has admitted Spurs were lucky to beat Arsenal. Jose Mourinho’s outfit came from behind to claim north London bragging rights in the Premier League derby.
Alexandre Lacazette fired Arsenal into an early lead with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box but a defensive gaffe Gunners defender Sead Kolasinac opened the door for Heung-Min Son to equalise.
Arsenal had plenty of the ball and a number of chances after the break but it was the hosts who secured all three points thanks to Alderweireld’s header from Son’s corner in the 81st minute.
Tottenham were fuming after VAR incorrectly failed to award a penalty in Thursday’s stalemate at Bournemouth – but Alderweireld believes lady luck has evened itself out.
“I think it’s massive for us,” Alderweireld said. “I think we really wanted to win this game, you know it’s difficult without the fans, it will be a totally different atmosphere but I think we did everything that we could. We fought.
LATEST LIVE SPORT TV DEALS
Get Sky Sports for just £25 per month for 3 months
Get BT Sport for HALF PRICE
“I think we did have a little bit of luck to get three points today.
“I think with the goal, because against Bournemouth, you missed a little bit of luck to get the last pass, so I think today we had the little bit of luck to get the 2-1.”
Tottenham took advantage of a set-piece to claim all three points, with Alderweireld rising highest to meet Son’s corner.
“It was a good cross, I thought it was a little bit too high and I got my head underneath it,” the Belgian said. “It was a nice goal.”
Tottenham have suffered 11 defeats during the campaign, which has destroyed their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
The victory over Arsenal keeps their hopes of Europa League qualification alive, however.
The build up to the derby was dominated by Mourinho’s reaction to Arsenal’s social media team trolling Tottenham for the 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United earlier this month.
Alderweireld admits the losses hurts and believes the victory over their rivals will give them a shot in the arm.
“We tried to do better today and showed there is character in the team, like fighting spirit,” he said.
“Defensively we are getting much better in the last couple of games and you have seen we have quality up front because we could have scored more than two goals.
“Sometimes you need some confidence, like a good win and get the momentum a little bit. The only thing we can do is work hard. What people don’t see is that everyone is putting everything into it and I believe that things will change. Today is a very important win for us and the fans.”
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here