– Idiot by Spurs – NRK Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule

– Smart, yes. Idiot by Spurs.

That’s what NRK’s ​​football expert Carl-Erik Torp says about the set-piece situations that led to two of Arsenal’s goals against Tottenham on Sunday.

Because when the corner kick ahead of the first goal was to be taken, the TV camera picked up a special situation.

Arsenal defender Ben White went straight at Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and stood close to him. Then he reached out and poked the Italian’s hand and sleeve.

– It has to be tolerated and dealt with. Tottenham also like not having someone to clear space for the goalkeeper, says Carl-Erik Torp about the situation.

Several English mediums have also picked up on the situation, and on X, the reactions are hailing.

“Ben White tries to loosen Vicario’s glove”

“Ben White put the goalkeeper out of action”

Deadball Goal #2

3-0 to Arsenal also came after a dead ball. Even then, White had lined up next to Vicario, and when the corner kick was taken, he stood in front of the goalkeeper and used his strength to prevent him.

– Vicario has zero power, zero authority to deal with that situation. Ben White is not doing anything wrong, said Kasper Wikestad in Viaplay’s studio during the break.

Viaplay’s football expert Eirik Bakke praised Arsenal’s plan, and he was clearly critical of Tottenham’s defensive play.

– Everyone is in the zone and is “ball watching”. This is a clear and obvious plan from Arsenal. It is very weak defensive play by Tottenham, and a very clear plan from Arsenal.

NRK’s ​​football expert Carl-Erik Torp agrees that Tottenham’s defensive play is worthy of criticism.

– The 3-0 corner shows that they should perhaps have someone who helped Vicario to get out.

– Arsenal have analyzed and seen that Spurs do not use up a player to take out the opponent who stands around Vicario. And then White has a job: prevent the goalkeeper from being able to take a corner kick. Annoy and get in the way.

– Clown game

Arsenal took an early lead in the match when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg headed the ball into his own goal. Seven minutes later, many thought that Tottenham had hit back, but the goal from Micky van de Ven was canceled after a fine offside.

Arsenal were merciless when they countered with goal number two shortly after the canceled score. Bukayo Saka was ice cold, dragged himself into the lane and scored 2-0 in the far corner. It was Saka’s 15 Premier League goals this season. The Tottenham players protested loudly when they thought they should have had a penalty kick ahead of the counterattack. But referee Michael Oliver held that the whistle should blow, and Arsenal’s scoring was allowed to stand.

And it got worse for the lily-whites after 37 minutes. After yet another corner kick from Arsenal, Kai Havertz gets to go up alone two meters from the goal, and can head the ball straight into the goal.

In the second half, Tottenham suddenly received a gift package that gave a little hope. Arsenal goalkeeper Raja received the ball and was going to beat him forward. Then he simply gave it to Cristian Romero, who could easily put the ball into the goal

– There are rapids from Raja. It is giving away goals. What a clown game by Raja in that situation, commented Viaplay’s football expert Nils Johan Semb.

Five minutes before full-time, Tottenham’s hopes were raised that they could get something, when Ben Davies was kicked down inside the penalty area and the referee was awarded a penalty. Son was safe from the penalty spot, and then it was 3-2.

But Arsenal held on, and secured an important victory in the battle for the league title.