The Showdown at White Hart Lane 5.0

If the score had remained a draw, Wenger might not have been tempted to make substitutions. However, with the team managing to score again at the last moment—what many commentators called luck—Wenger didn't see it that way.

Looking at the scene between Louis and Vertonghen, and considering the improvement in confrontation ability Louis had shown on the training ground, Wenger realized that Louis was growing up very fast.

A month ago, he wouldn't have dared to let Louis play as a lone forward. But now, seeing Louis's confrontational ability, Wenger began to seriously consider replacing a striker in the second half.

If Louis has improved his confrontation ability, Wenger would naturally choose him over Giroud because Louis's scoring ability is exceptional.

Thus, as the second half began, people noticed that Giroud was substituted. The player who replaced him was another Arsenal midfielder, Coquelin. Coquelin and Arteta partnered as a double defensive midfielder, with Ramsey pushed to the attacking midfielder/central midfielder position. On the left and right were Podolski and Wilshere. 

This adjustment transformed Arsenal's formation from a relatively thin 4-4-2 in the middle to a more balanced 4-2-3-1. This substitution clearly signaled to everyone: Arsenal was going to defend. 

"Isn't Tottenham waiting to counterattack? We'll give up space in the front, how will they fight back?" It was now Arsenal's turn to counterattack.

Villas-Boas understood Wenger's strategy but hadn't expected such a substitution at the start of the second half, leaving Tottenham a bit at a loss initially. However, Villas-Boas, being a world-famous young coach and Mourinho's disciple, quickly adjusted.

He replaced Defoe with Brazilian midfielder Sandro, pushing Icelandic sniper Sigurdsson to the attacking midfielder position, with Bale on the left, Lennon on the right, and Adebayor as the center. A 4-2-3-1 formation strengthened their midfield control as Tottenham prepared for a strong attack.

Wenger believed Arsenal should focus on defense and withstand Tottenham's offense, considering Tottenham's main offensive method had been counterattacks. Now forced to press and attack, Arsenal's 4-5-1 formation—with Wilshere and Podolski deeply involved in defense and Louis harassing up front—should hold solid.

However, not long after both sides made substitutions, Arsenal's goal was penetrated again. Bale, having switched places with Lennon, cut inside from the right wing and blasted a left-footed shot into Arsenal's goal. Two to two! Tottenham had equalized again.

Bale was particularly excited after scoring. He beat his chest wildly and ran towards the sideline. Although Tottenham players chased him to celebrate, no one could catch up until he performed a long sliding kneel. The entire White Hart Lane stadium erupted.

"Bale! Bale scored twice! He helped Tottenham equalize the score again!!" The commentators were thrilled. Tottenham die-hard Richard Hurst looked ferocious, while Arsenal fans fell silent.

Louis's eyes never left Bale. Before this, all he could think about was exploiting Bale's weaknesses. But now, he realized the guy in front of him had undeniable energy. Defeating such an opponent was truly exciting.

"It is said that Real Madrid is willing to pay 100 million to buy him," Wilshere mentioned next to Louis.

"Really? That's awesome," Louis grinned. "I don't care how much he's worth, I just want to win! Whether it's him or this game!"

Wilshere saw the determination in Louis's eyes and seemed to be infected. He reached out and patted Louis on the shoulder. "Let's work hard together!"

If Arsenal wanted to take three points away from White Hart Lane, continuing to defend was pointless. They had to attack. The nature of the North London derby made it impossible for Arsenal players to accept a draw. Giroud was substituted, and now Louis was fully exposed to Tottenham's defense. He needed to be the team's center to fight against the opponent's defense. Could he withstand it? This question lingered in everyone's minds.

Wilshere made a long diagonal pass. Louis jumped high and had an aerial confrontation with Dawson. However, Louis wasn't easily crushed. Although Dawson headed the ball, he couldn't control the weight under Louis's confrontation, resulting in the ball being rubbed out of the sideline. Arsenal got a corner kick. Vertonghen came over and high-fived Dawson. Both felt the pressure because Louis was not as "fragile" as they imagined. He was strong, had good jumping ability, and his running position was difficult to defend.

"He has enough strength and good jumping ability," they thought. Louis's confrontation ability and explosive speed, along with his height, put immense pressure on them. 

When Wilshere ran to take the corner kick, there were not only Dawson and Vertonghen around Louis but also Sigurdsson and Sandro. At least three defensive players were keeping an eye on his position.

Wilshere originally planned to look for Louis, but it seemed that Louis was too restricted.