Arsenal stay top with derby win as Tottenham self destruct
Arsenal were able to retain their spot at the top of the Premier League after beating Tottenham 3-1 in the north London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side put an end to Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the campaign,
with their intensity and flair causing their fierce rivals plenty of issues.
Granit Xhaka capped off Arsenal’s impressive performance with his goal in the 67th minute,
capitalising on Tottenham’s lack of shape after
Arsenal – Tottenham Hotspur Played on 10/01/ 2022
Emerson Royal was sent off moments earlier for a dangerous tackle on Gabriel Martinelli. The right-back appeared to run his studs down the back of the winger,
despite being deep in the Arsenal half.
Former Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus had put Arsenal ahead early in the second half,
scrambling home from close range in the 49th minute to capitalise on a poor mistake from Hugo Lloris,
his fifth goal of the campaign. His side had taken the lead initially through Thomas Partey in the 20th minute – who had been an injury doubt before the game
– when the Ghanian whipped a curling effort into the top corner from outside of the box.
But Arsenal’s lead lasted just 11 minutes as Harry Kane
continued his rich vein of form from the penalty spot,
slotting the ball past Aaron Ramsdale after Gabriel brought down his Brazil team-mate Richarlison inside the box. The Gunners claiming bragging rights will give their side a major confidence boost heading into a busy October,
here’s what we learned from the north London derby.
Against Leicester,
before the international break,
Tottenham flourished after Yves Bissouma
entered the fray and formed a three-man midfield – and Conte may regret not starting the Malian against Spurs.
The Italian is set on his 3-4-3 formation, though it is preventing his side from getting a firm grip on matches against top sides.
Arteta certainly anticipated the Spurs set-up,
opting to play Oleksandr Zinchenko over Kieran Tierney
in left-back knowing that he will step inside to give Arsenal a 4 v 2 in the centre of the park.
Ben White, too,
came inside when required – and Conte may need to reconsider his plans going forward and taking on other ‘Big Six’ sides th at like to dominate the midfield.