Danny Murphy: Why Arsene Wenger deserves credit for Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham

Danny Murphy says Arsene Wenger deserves credit for Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal edged into a first-half lead in Saturday’s north London derby after Aaron Ramsey netted a brilliant opener at White Hart Lane.

However, Francis Coquelin was dismissed for a second bookable offence early in the second half to hand Tottenham the initiative.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side appeared to be heading for victory after Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane scored for Spurs inside seven minutes of Coquelin’s dismissal.

However, Wenger brought on Olivier Giroud following Kane’s goal and former Spurs midfielder Murphy praised the Arsenal manager for his tactical decisions in the final 28 minutes.

“I think Arsene Wenger needs some credit. Bringing Olivier Giroud on has really helped them,” Murphy told BBC Sport.

“He made a few bold calls in their starting team. They played very narrow and let Tottenham run at them, but after going behind they have brought themselves right back into the game. They have even had a few chances to win it.”

Arsenal ended a three-game losing run thanks to their 2-2 stalemate with their north London rivals at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners make the trip to Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night.

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Spurs travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.