Christian takes confidence from derby draw

Christian Eriksen paid tribute to our defenders after we claimed a point in Saturday’s North London Derby.

Nacer Chadli’s second half goal saw us edge in front at the Emirates, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain capitalising on a loose ball in the penalty area to restore parity 16 minutes from time.

The quartet of Kyle Naughton, Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose worked tremendously hard at the back – as did substitute Eric Dier after replacing the injured Rose late on – as we withstood heavy Arsenal pressure in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was also in his usual fine form.

It was their rearguard solidity that was lauded by Christian after a tense outing.

“The result should give us some confidence because today was more about the defence than it was the forwards,” said the Danish international. “What they did helped us to go forward.

“All the crosses they had were cleared apart from the goal, which we were unlucky on. It was a lucky shot and the ball fell for Oxlade-Chamberlain, which hopefully it won’t next time. In the end it’s a result and a performance we can be pretty happy with.”

Christian once again lined up as part of an attacking midfield trio that included Erik Lamela and goalscorer Chadli – with all three having featured in the disappointing home defeat to West Bromwich Albion last time out in the Premier League.

And while delighted with the improvement on that Baggies reverse, Christian was impressed with the way we bided our time going forward against the Gunners.

“It was a really important game after last weekend,” he added. “We didn’t press that high for the whole game, only a couple of times and at the right moments.

“It’s just about pressing when you can, although we want to win the ball as high up the pitch as we can.

“If we look at the whole game we’re probably happy with a point. When you’re one goal in front you want to hold on, but unfortunately we couldn’t on this occasion.”