As Arsene said, we seemed to be re-born at half time. Whatever he said in the dressing room seemed to have the desired effect as we looked hungry for it and showed far more determination. Good bursts from the much improved Pires saw us get back into the game and begin to threaten the Spurs goal.
While we were playing nearly entirely in the Spurs half, we still didn't look like getting a goal, and so most in the away end weren't overly optimistic when we were awarded a free kick just in from the corner flag. Bergkamp whipped it in, Robinson came and flapped at it which presented Pires with the chance to put us level which he duly took. Mental celebrations followed. I personally haven't celebrated like that for years! After that goal we looked as if we may be able to go on and get a second, and for a five minute spell we were playing exclusively attacking football, but the chances came and went and Robinson kept us at bay.
All in all we can be extremely happy with a point; never has a draw felt so much like a win.
Jens Lehmann (6) He should have stopped the goal as the ball went straight through his hands, but he also made two fine stops to keep us in the game.
Gael Clichy (8) An excellent display, as he showed the form that we have been waiting for so far this season. His defending was superb, and his movement going forward on the overlap caused plenty of problems to the Spurs defence throughout the second half.
Sol Campbell (6) He had an awful first half, where maybe the pressure of being the captain away at the club that he formally captained got the better of him. His passing was off, and he was making needless mistakes. However, he picked up slightly in the second half.
Kolo Toure (7) He made some crucial interceptions and blocks in the first half to prevent Spurs getting the second goal that would have put us in real trouble.
Lauren (7) A fine display, although he gave way one or two stupid free kicks in dangerous areas.
Freddie Ljungberg (6) Got into the game well, and had two early half chances. Unfortunately he was taken off with a suspected hamstring injury which could see him sidelined yet again.
Mathieu Flamini (6) Good tackling, but poor passing. He was pulled out of position too easily.
Gilberto (5) Not the standard that we have come to expect from him. He was dragged out of position, and his passing was continually sloppy.
Cesc Fabregas (5) Out muscled with ease by the Spurs midfield. Let's face it, he just isn't a winger, and we will never see him at his best when he is played there.
Dennis Bergkamp (6) He couldn't get in to the game during the first forty five, but he was one of the players who looked a lot better in the second.
Jose Reyes (5) He was simply awful. I have defended him in every report I have written this season, but today I can find nothing in his performance to warrant me doing that. His off the ball running, passing and attitude were all poor. He looked totally disinterested for a large proportion of the match and seems to have little to no confidence. I was amazed that he lasted as long as he did, with the in form Van Persie sat on the bench.
Subs:
Robert Pires (7) Yet another goal against Spurs capped a fine performance. He was looking for the ball, and even tracked back which is something we haven't seen this season.
Robin Van Persie (8) From the very start of the second half his name was sung from the away end. We wanted him on that pitch to help liven up our out of sorts attack. He is in form and I was shocked that he didn't start when it was confirmed that Henry was out. Once on the pitch, he chased down every ball, tracked back and made tackles, held the ball up well and saw one shot saved by Robinson. An excellent all round display, and I fully expect him to start on Wednesday.
Pascal Cygan (N/A) Only played the last few minutes.