The north London derby lived true to its reputation as the top flight’s most passionate rivalry, with the two sets of players separated during the first half.

 

The first half of Arsenal’s match against Tottenham saw the most yellow cards in Premier League history.

One of them occurred when Jurrien Timber looked to go over the ball while challenging Pedro Porro.

Replays indicated that there wasn’t much in it, and the referee quickly issued Timber the yellow card.

And the referee had more to deal with as the pushing and shoving began, with nearly everyone participating.

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Vicario confronted Timber, who retaliated by seizing the Tottenham player’s shirt and staring him down.

Fortunately, no player went too far during the altercation, and VAR determined that no more action was required.

Aside from that, the first half was very quiet, with Gabriel Martinelli passing up the greatest opportunity when he was played through on the left.

Sky commentator Jamie Redknapp thought Timber was lucky to only receive a yellow card for his challenge on Porro, but few on social media agreed.

The defender received much of the ball, and the challenge lacked oomph.