Luka's lament
Luka Modric was left to wonder what might have been as he reflected on Sunday's goalless draw against Arsenal.
The
midfield maestro had the chance for derby glory as he went through on
goal in the final minute of injury time in another feisty encounter at
the Lane.
Unfortunately, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia dashed out to make a block with his legs and the chance was gone.
"I
didn't have too much time to think about it, I looked to shoot to the
first (near) post but he made a good save," sighed Luka. "Of course it
would have been great to score, but I didn't this time."
Luka was twice denied by Almunia and the keeper also saved well from Wilson Palacios and Aaron Lennon in the first half.
After
the break, Roman Pavlyuchenko fired wide and Robbie Keane headed just
over as we had the better of it although the Gunners, reduced to 10 men
when Emmanuel Eboue was sent off in the 38th minute, created late
chances for Alex Song and Nicklas Bendtner, his effort tipped over by
Carlo Cudicini, his only serious save.
"It was a good point and
we have to be happy but my opinion is we deserved more," added Luka,
who returns to the Croatian fold for a friendly against Romania on
Wednesday.
"You don't expect to beat Arsenal easily, we fought hard but we didn't score.
"When
it was 11 against 11 we had good chances and in the second half Robbie,
Roman and myself had chances. We deserved more than a point but a point
is still good."