Premiership leaders Arsenal won a controversial derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday courtesy of a late Lauren penalty.
The Gunners dominated the first half and deservedly went in front through Fredrik Ljungberg, who seized on Dennis Bergkamp’s pass and dribbled a shot into the corner.
Spurs improved after the break, but looked unlikely to level until referee Mark Halsey awarded a harsh penalty against goalkeeper David Seaman for blocking Gus Poyet in the 80th minute.
Teddy Sheringham slammed home the spot-kick and the visitors seemed certain to spike their bitter rivals’ title bid.
But Arsenal poured forward and, when Thierry Henry fell in the area under little pressure, referee Halsey gave another doubtful penalty, which Lauren put down the centre of goal as Kasey Keller dived out of the way.
