96% Pass Success, 16 Clearances: How Koscielny Stifled Spurs Attack And Inspired Arsenal Win

Going into the north London derby, many expected Tottenham to receive a bit of a thrashing. Although Spurs were at home, Arsenal have been in top form this season and were looking to get their title push back on track having seen both Manchester City and Liverpool win before they kicked off. Rather than a classic, high scoring game, though, we witnessed a master class from Arsenal in a defensive aspect, and there was one man who stood out.

Laurent Koscielny has received his fair share of criticism over the years but he stood taller than the rest today at White Hart Lane.

During the tie he made 16 clearances, which is more than the entire Spurs side combined. That may say a lot about the course of the game, but the France international was there to deal with them.

He also completed two tackles and two interceptions, one of which was just inside the 18-yard box.

What really impressed me about Koscielny, though, was the manner he dealt with possession. Amongst the bitterness and the abuse from the crowd, he completed 96% of his passes during the game.

It was he who led from the back today and upped everyone else's game, so for that I think he deserves credit.

stats via Squawka