Source: Daily_Mail
Jermain Defoe knew Tottenham would complete derby comeback after Gareth Bale's strike
Jermain Defoe claims he knew Tottenham would complete one of the most amazing comebacks in north London derby history the moment Gareth Bale pulled a goal back against Arsenal. [LNB]Spurs ended their 17-year wait for a win at the home of their arch-rivals on Saturday when they came from 2-0 down at half-time to triumph 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium. [LNB]HAVE YOUR SAY: Have Arsenal really got what it takes to win the league title? Fightback: Tottenham came from two goals down to win 3-2 at The Emirates [LNB]The introduction of Defoe during the break was the catalyst for the comeback, with the England striker's flick-on helping set up Bale to make it 2-1.[LNB] Rafael van der Vaart's penalty and Younes Kaboul's late header then sealed one of the most improbable and memorable derby victories ever recorded by Tottenham as Arsenal blew the chance to go top of the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]Defoe said: 'Second half, I think they eased off a little bit. 'Sometimes, it's difficult when you go 2-0 up. People think you just go on and you win the game quite comfortably. [LNB] Bad day at the office: Arsenal missed the chance to leapfrog Chelsea [LNB]'But sometimes you take your foot off the gas. 'I think they did that and when we got the goal back - the first goal - after that I knew we'd win the game.' [LNB]The victory, which closed Harry Redknapp's men to within four points of Arsenal and six of leaders Chelsea, was Spurs' first in 69 games at the home of one of the so-called 'big four'. [LNB]Match-winner: Kaboul celebrates after netting the decisive goal [LNB]Defoe said: 'As players, you don't dwell on the past and what's happened before. 'It's a new day and you always look forward to the games. [LNB]'We had a fantastic season last year; we want to try to do the same, just keep getting points and try to get in that top four again.'[LNB] Defoe's 45-minute run-out was his first since recovering from the ankle surgery that had sidelined him for two months. [LNB]'It's amazing really,' said the 28-year-old, who replaced Aaron Lennon as Tottenham went for broke. [LNB]'Aaron said after the game, 'Were you tired?', and I said, 'Not at all'. 'I put all the work in on the rehab stuff, so I knew I'd be ready. 'The ankle feels good, which is always nice, and it was a great result.'[LNB]He added: 'I've been out such a long time. 'I couldn't wait just to get on and to get that buzz playing football again.'[LNB]Describing the pain of missing out on a historic few weeks for Spurs, which also included a Champions League win over Inter Milan, Defoe told BBC Sport: 'I was out for nine, 10 weeks. 'It was hard; towards the end, I was getting really frustrated.[LNB] 'But it's important to keep your head, make sure you come back, and make sure you come back strong so you can make an impact.'[LNB] After Tottenham storm back to win north London derby, have Arsenal really got what it takes to win the league title?You bottled it: Boss Wenger furious as Arsenal lose at home to rivals for the first time in 17 yearsChelsea are still favourites, says Harry: Spurs boss backs Blues to win title Arsenal 2 Tottenham 3: Gunners are stunned as Spurs fight back for win [LNB] Explore more:People: Harry Redknapp, Younes Kaboul, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale, Jermain Defoe Places: London, United Kingdom
