Arsenal dismisses stereotypes in come-from-behind stalemate

Arsenal's downward spiral in 2016 has been attributed to a lot of things by pundits and supporters alike. Namely, the team's been accused of lacking character and resolve when faced with obstacles.

The Gunners did a lot to shake that stereotype Saturday during a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

A side lacking in courage

Aaron Ramsey's brilliant backheel opener was nullified by a two-minute onslaught from Spurs, in which Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane seemingly put the tilt out of reach after Francis Coquelin's daft second yellow forced the visitors to play a man short.

For a side that lacks character, Arsenal showed a lot of it, coming from behind courtesy of Alexis Sanchez's first league goal since Oct. 17 versus Watford against the run of play in the 76th minute.

Ramsey could have cemented a smash-and-grab result for the ages in the closing minutes were it not for a desperate last-ditch tackle from Kevin Wimmer.

As much as the players on the pitch have been lambasted for their lack of courage, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been widely criticised for letting the title chase slip between their fingers.

Wenger in, for now

The Wenger Out crowd was momentarily silenced Saturday courtesy of the gaffer's team selection, as Joel Campbell and Olivier Giroud were dropped for Mohamed Elneny and Danny Welbeck.

Elneny appeared acclimated to the English top flight in his first league start since a January move from FC Basel, while Welbeck made threatening channels out of nothing.

Despite a slow start, the side was well equipped to sustain Tottenham's full-throttle attack and unrelenting pressure.

"I believe we have shown great spirit all of the game and I am proud of the response they have shown but I have big regrets as we were completely in control until we were down to ten men. It's difficult to take," Wenger said in the tunnel moments after the final whistle.

"Personally I've never questioned the character of this team, but when you don't win the games you have to accept that and you have to respond and that's what we did today."

When asked by a journo from BT Sport in the tunnel if Saturday's result leaves Arsenal in the title chase, Wenger's assessment was unabashedly honest: "I don't know," he said.

Arsenal's come-from-behind draw with Tottenham will do little to dispel doubts that the Islington side can win its first Premier League title since 2003-04, but it will temporarily assuage the hordes of naysayers who think the team lacks the necessary mettle.