EMIRATES EUPHORIA: THE PLAYER RATINGS

69 goes. 1993. Two nil down and embarrassingly outplayed by half time. Not a defensive midfielder in sight. And yet, somehow, we just trumped the home win over Inter by defeating Arsenal away, 3-2. I know you all know that. I just liked typing it out again.

Let’s be honest, Arsenal threatened a humiliation in the first half. And even their second half capitulation featured several very presentable opportunities. Fàbregas may have conceded an unforgivably boneheaded penalty, but their captain showed he’s probably the Premier League’s classiest player. As a team they looked fitter, stronger and quicker than us. Yet, we somehow turned a pitiful derby humbling into one of those landmark, slightly hysterical occasions that’ll see our DVD partners firing up their disc burners.

Much as I’d hoped in the preview, the difference with Defoe up top was astounding. Suddenly, hopeful balls down the channels looked like purposeful ones. Koscielny and Squillaci were anxiously peering over their shoulders and as Bale’s goal showed: a Van der Vaart-Defoe-Bale attacking trident will prove potent. It was great to have him back.

But forget that starry trio. It was a day for the much-maligned and unfashionable to take a bow. Jermaine Jenas has absolutely everything as a footballer – size, passing range, gazelle-like pace, shooting ability – but has never, ever shown the desire he left on that field. He was constantly out-manoeuvred by Fàbregas, but never shirked and never left us too exposed. Suddenly, losing Huddlestone feels less daunting and maybe we're witnessing the rebirth of a more disciplined, mature Jenas. That’s a Crouchy-sized “maybe”, of course.

Our former vice-captain might have felt aggrieved not being handed the armband, with Harry plumping for some time-honoured mindgames in appointing Gallas. Fortunately, it didn’t backfire and instead proved inspired. OK, he’s a sullen mercenary who’s past his prime, but he was my man of the match and has now won round his third batch of London supporters. Beside him, Younes was equally committed and, of course, has his own signature Tottenham moment safely banked. We won’t be forgetting that glanced header for a while.


PLAYER RATINGS

1. Heurelho Gomes Lucky boy. His weedy gaffe will be forgotten amongst all the hysteria, but he’s slipping back into disturbing habits. He’ll be well tested against Bremen, too. 6/10

2. Alan Hutton Frequently spooked out of possession by Arsenal’s lightening quick closing down, which only highlighted how he’s just not quite got the technical ability of his teammates. However, he bombed forward with good grace and is improving. 6/10

13. William Gallas Brilliantly marshalled a panicked, overrun back line, showed class and experience in his countless interceptions and used the ball well. Welcome aboard, captain. 9/10

4. Younes Kaboul He’ll be as good as his concentration allows. Right now, our goal hero will prove very tricky to drop once a few defensive rivals return. 8/10

32. Benoît Assou-Ekotto I’ll admit, he’s becoming one of my favourites. Assured, but could obviously show more willing to stay with his man. Still, he’s one of the league’s most underrated players, in my opinion. 7/10

7. Aaron Lennon Looked unfit. Harry admitted his winger-led formation led to our first half humbling, and Len certainly didn’t help matters with his constant tardiness in possession. Hopefully he’ll be back flying on Wednesday night. 4/10

8. Jermaine Jenas He wasn’t pretty and could’ve kept the ball better, but it’s hard to knock a showing that gutsy. Keep your head down, JJ, and you could find yourself a first team regular again. 7/10

14. Luka Modrić Occasionally scarpered forward with purpose, but I grew tired tutting at some of his lazy, under-hit passes. His lack of presence obviously isn’t his fault (nor is his selection as part of a two-man central midfield), but does sometimes leave looking like a luxury. I can’t help but feel he owes us a few more decisive moments – whether it’s goals or clever assists – to really justify our affection. 6/10

3. Gareth Bale Firstly, what a gorgeous finish. Secondly, I’d like to see him make a few more central runs if that’s the result. Was policed excellently by arguably the division’s best right-back, but rated against regular expectations, was still very good. 7/10

11. Rafael van der Vaart Looked a bit leggy in the first half and slightly annoyed that Arsenal were so good. Harnessed his irritation nicely in the second half, where his tucked-in right midfield role actually increased his involvement and helped the team wrestle momentum. Pleased he’s scored his first goal outside the Lane, and excellent to see he’s been restored to penalty duties after his Twente mini-meltdown. 8/10

9. Roman Pavlyuchenko The usual selfless shift from our striking workhouse. Of course, I’m being petty and sarcastic, but it’s hard to recall anything of real note. Other than inadvertently setting up their second goal. 4/10

Substitutes

18. Jermain Defoe We’re a totally different outfit with JD hassling defences. Can’t wait for Wednesday night. 7/10

15. Peter Crouch Didn’t do anything wrong, nor anything special. Will be interesting to see if Harry starts with Crouchy, Rafa and Defoe against Bremen. He could find himself become “Plan B” quite quickly. 5/10

12. Wilson Palacios A 5 minute cameo. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see Wilson regain some form? 5/10