The clash between Arsenal and Tottenham once again proved why the North London derby is known for its intense rivalry.
In fact, the first half was so heated that the two teams nearly came to blows before the break.
Record Number of Yellow Cards
The first half of this match set a new Premier League record for the most yellow cards issued in a single half.
The tension was palpable, with several players finding themselves in the referee’s book.
One notable incident involved Jurrien Timber, who seemed to go over the ball while challenging Pedro Porro.
While replays indicated that Timber’s challenge wasn’t particularly harsh, the referee quickly issued a yellow card.
Push and Shove Escalates
Things got even more heated when pushing and shoving broke out among the players.
Vicario squared up to Timber, who responded by grabbing Vicario’s shirt and giving him a fierce look.
Despite the scuffle, the situation didn’t escalate further, and VAR reviewed the incident, deciding that no additional action was required.
A Quiet First Half
Aside from the drama, the first half was relatively uneventful.
Gabriel Martinelli missed the best opportunity when he was played through on the left.
Pundit Reactions
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp felt Timber was fortunate to only receive a yellow card for his challenge on Porro.
However, opinions were mixed on social media, with many agreeing that Timber’s challenge was fair given that he got a good portion of the ball and the contact was minimal.
What’s Next?
As the teams head into the second half, fans are eagerly anticipating if the intensity will continue or if things will settle down.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling encounter!