Tottenham's newest hero Danny Rose was surprised at making his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Youngster was not expecting to face Gunners
Tottenham's newest hero Danny Rose has expressed his surprise at making his Premier League debut against Arsenal on Wednesday.
The former Leeds United youngster was thrown in at the deep end in Spurs' midweek derby with the Gunners and did not let manager Harry Redknapp down.
Rose gave an accomplished display as Spurs ended their lengthy run at White Hart Lane without a Premier League success against their arch rivals.
The teenager was thrilled to finally make his Premier League debut, but was caught off guard by Redknapp opting to give him his first taste of action against Arsenal.
"To be honest I was confused really," explained Rose at being named in Spurs' starting line-up.
"He has just thrown me in for a North London derby - it doesn't come much harder than that."
Rose capped a fine display with a contender for goal of the season with his left-footed volley from distance early on which gave the home side a priceless lead.
Praise
Redknapp was playing down the quality of the strike at half-time as he wanted Spurs to improve their possession, although he was full of praise for Rose's goal after the full-time whistle.
"When I was at Leeds aged about 12 I hit a nice 20-yarder, but that one definitely tops it, especially as it was the first time we have beaten Arsenal in the league in 11 years," he added on his wonder goal.
"I just didn't know what to do when I scored. I ran one way, then another to look for my dad Nigel and all of a sudden they were kicking off.
"So I forgot about it straight away and I ended up defending, although I did manage to see my dad over in the corner."
"I'd like to think it will be up there when it comes to goal of the season.
"Harry didn't say too much about it at half-time. He was more concerned about us giving away the ball too much. But after the game, he kept saying, 'What a goal, what a goal'."
