From Goal Of The Season, To Red Card

Erik Lamela made all the headlines in yesterdays North London derby and went from hero to zero in the space of just an hour!

Arsenal hosted Spurs yesterday in the North London derby, with both sides needing a win to help their European chances this season. The last time they met, Spurs won 2-0 at home.

Going into this one, both sides were in good form of late. Mourinho had finally found his attacking lineup, with Gareth Bale being part of that after scoring five in his last six. Unfortunately for Spurs though, this had to be changed after 16 minutes, due to an injury to Son. He was replaced by Erik Lamela, who was initially bought by the club in 2013 to replace Gareth Bale, who is now back and starting ahead of him…

Anyway, this was the season as a positive for Arsenal as Son has been in great form this season and Lamela was yet to score in the league. However, this soon changed when he scored arguably the goal of the season.

The ball fell to Lucas Moura near the penalty spot but he was crowded out by the Arsenal defence. He laid it off to Lamela who was alongside him and the Argentine isn’t known for his right foot ability. Instead of taking it on with his week foot, he wrapped his left foot around the back of his right leg, sending it into the bottom corner. This is known as a rabona, which was first seen on live tv performed by Pele back in 1957.

It’s a fantastic piece of skill and one that is very easily done wrong. It left Leno scrambling to the ball whilst going through the legs of Partey on the way through. His Spurs teammate Reguillon was like the rest of us watching and put his hands on his head in disbelief. This wasn’t a fluke either as Lamela has scored a goal similar to the in the Europa League from outside the box for Spurs.

However, Lamela wasn’t to be the hero. His side were now 2-1 down and searching for an equaliser. He was on a yellow carded and through his arm out towards Kieran Tierney whilst trying to fend him off. It resulted in him receiving his second yellow of the match and getting sent off. Manager Jose Mourinho wouldn’t even look at him as he walked off the pitch.

What Now For The Two North London Clubs?

Spurs are currently seventh in the table on 45 points, with Arsenal in 10th, four points behind. For Spurs, getting into the top four is going to be a big ask this season. They are six points off, but do have a game in hand. Paddy Power has them priced at 6/1, which could be a good bet considering they can go three points off.

Arsenal will be looking at the Europa League as their best chance of getting to next seasons Champions League. They are pretty much through the Round of 16 having won 3-1 away against Olympiakos. They are 9/2 to win the competition.

Spurs are also in the Europa League and currently 2-0 up, with the second leg away at Dinamo Zagreb. One goal for Spurs in the second leg and it will be job done pretty much. Spurs are the favourites now for the competition at 7/2. Their odds might get even lower, should United not make it through against AC Milan.