Martin Keown: What pleased me about Arsenal’s performance at Tottenham

Martin Keown says he was pleased to see Arsenal finally deploy two holding midfielders during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsene Wenger started with Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield for the north London derby clash at White Hart Lane.

The French midfielder received his marching orders in the second half after Aaron Ramsey had given Arsenal a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute.

Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane scored twice in two second-half minutes to give Tottenham a 2-1 advantage before Alexis Sanchez’s late equaliser.

Former Arsenal defender Keown was pleased to see Wenger show a more measured approach to the derby with two defensive midfielders despite Coquelin’s sending off.

“Certainly after 20 minutes, it really came alive. I think both sides will be disappointed though. Arsenal were in control until the player was sent off. When Tottenham went ahead, they would have liked to finish the job off,” Keown told Match of the Day.

“I was pleased Arsenal played with two holding midfield players, which was a big chance from Arsenal’s point of view.”

Arsenal are in third place in the Premier League and eight points adrift of leaders Leicester City.

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