Mathieu Flamini before this season began was written off by most as a spent force. The spirit still burning bright was not enough to sustain a physical plant slowed down through wear and tear. Flam was mostly a forgotten man living on sporadic minutes. Arsene Wenger gave him the green signal to seek a transfer to a club where he would get more pitch time. The Frenchman considering Arsenal his home did not leave and fortunately, today, he was an unlikely source of goals for the Gunners. The accomplished finishing made it even more memorable.
Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, more noted strikers could learn a thing or two. In the 26th minute, Flamini ghosted in front of the ponderous Spurs central defence to collar the ball after Michael Vorm managed to parry Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s spanking drive into the roof of the net. In the 78th minute it got better with Spurs on equal terms through Calum Chambers goal and looking the more likely side to score, Flamini struck a spectacular volley into goal off Federico Fazio’s looping mishit which fell from the sky with the cool calculated aplomb of an expert marksman.
His previous goal came in March this year against West Ham. In total, Flamini has scored 10 goals in 152 Arsenal appearances (both spells), not exactly the record of a prolific goal scorer.
Spurs exit the League Cup and Harry Kane still cannot buy a goal – although he came tantalizingly close as his perfectly executed scissors kick was low and goalbound till Kieran Gibbs lunged head first to clear off the line.
Arsenal made 10 changes from the day football died with only Aaron Ramsey retained and serving as a free ranging playmaker. Mikel Arteta was back and with Flamini anchored the midfield. Up front, Olivier Giroud and Joel Campbell, as goal scoring threats. Per Mertesacker made his first appearance after illness and partnering him Calum Chambers. Down the flanks, Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs. Taking custody of goal, David Ospina, the Colombian. Spurs made eight with ball controller Christian Eriksen returning with Andros Townsend his sidline sidekick. The back line was completely re-jiggered with Fazio and Kurt Wimmer, the Austrian occupying the centre. Out to their sides Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier. Eric Dier, a holdover from Spurs win against Palace played alongside Tom Carroll. Harry Kane and Nacer Chadli were the other returnees. Michel Vorm commanded the citadel.
For Arsenal, Chambers had a good game and so did Kieran Gibbs. The Ox was full of running and a direct threat. On the other end of the scale, Debuchy laboured to keep up with Danny Rose which is the flank, Spurs made the most impact. Arteta was a distinct non-entity and Campbell, tried gamely but he’s not at this level. Spurs star turns were Kane and Rose.