Unlikely Arsenal hero Flamini downs Spurs

Friday, 25 September 2015 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Capital One Cup Third Round

Mathieu Flamini was Arsenal’s unlikely hero as the French midfielder’s double strike sealed a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Tottenham in the League Cup third round on Wednesday. Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Capital One Cup Third Round

Flamini was making his first appearance of the season after coming close to leaving the club in the last transfer window and he seized a rare opportunity to remind Gunners boss Arsene Wenger of his quality with a brilliant second half winner at White Hart Lane.

The 31-year-old, so often the butt of Arsenal fans’ criticism in the past, had already celebrated his return by putting Wenger’s side ahead in the first half before a Calum Chambers own goal after the break drew Tottenham level.

But it was Flamini’s second goal that stole the show as he lashed a sumptuous volley into the bottom corner from 20 yards to settle the first north London derby of the season.

Flamini’s heroics provided a much-needed morale boost for Arsenal, ensuring they avoided losing three consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since April 2010.