Arsenal advanced to the fourth-round of the Capital One Cup with a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur.
Mathieu Flamini was the surprise hero on the night, after his brace secured the victory. Calum Chambers tucked the ball into his own net but the Frenchman volleyed expertly into the bottom corner.
Joel Campbell headed an early chance over the bar after a perfectly timed run from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but it was a slow start from both sides, with chances at a premium as the second-string players settled.
Arsenal took the lead after 26 minutes though as Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a low drive parried away by Michel Vorm, falling kindly into the path of Mathieu Flamini who tucked home.
Danny Rose was causing problems down the right-side, first driving a low shot wide as he wasted a decent chance before breaking into the box and being clattered by David Ospina; who charged off his line to prevent the danger.
At the break the lack of chances suggested that one-goal could be enough but Arsenal needed to keep their wits about them inn the second-half, especially with three players on a booking.
Tottenham found the net four minutes into the second-half after Christian Eriksen’s shot was superbly palmed onto the post by Ospina, with Harry Kane tucking home the rebound, only to see the offside flag raised.
An equaliser did occur shortly after as Debuchy left Danny Rose with acres of space on the right again and the full-back’s low ball was diverted into his own net by Calum Chambers, sparking life into White Hart Lane once again.
Kieran Gibbs was required to head Kane’s bicycle-kick off the line ten minutes later, as the hosts pushed for another goal that would give them a valuable lead. Arsenal’s game-plan wasn’t working and a swift changed followed, with Alexis Sanchez on for Joel Campbell.
Arsenal looked better after the Chilean’s introduction, with Giroud forcing a decent save from Michel Vorm at his near post. At the other end, the Gunners endured a scare as Ospina dropped a corner practically on the goal line.
Sensationally, Flamini gave Arsenal the lead again as a looping ball dropped to his right foot on the edge of the area and he volleyed home in spectacular fashion with his most memorable moment since he scored against AC Milan in the Champions League.
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