Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points with a superb performance to win the North London derby at Tottenham.
The Gunners took full advantage of Manchester City’s defeat at Manchester United on Saturday, claiming a vital three points with a stunning first half and steely after the break.
Arsenal were helped by a mistake from Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris when he headed Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net after 14 minutes, but it was not more than Mikel Arteta’s side deserved as captain Martin Odegaard Drilled a second from outside the area in nine minutes. before the break.
Spurs, poor in the first half, had their chances but found visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale in top form as he made two saves from Harry Kane either side of half-time and also kept out Ryan Sessegnon’s angled effort.
Arsenal’s show of strength
Arsenal were given a huge chance to get a firm grip on the title race after beating nearest rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, but as expected came the pressure in the north London derby hothouse.
The Gunners, as they have often seen this season, rose to the challenge by overrunning Spurs in the opening 45 minutes, then held their nerve in the face of an expected rally from Antonio Conte’s men after the break.
Arsenal were simply unstoppable in the first half as they outplayed Spurs – an own goal from Lloris and a strike from captain Odegaard little reward for their wide lead.
Odegaard was given a classic look in midfield, while Saka toppled Spurs down Arsenal’s right, scoring the first goal and constantly causing problems.
And the visitors showed they were prepared to do the dirty work as Spurs tried to recover. Keeper Ramsdale was outstanding and his defenders were willing to throw themselves at everything to protect the lead.
There were some nasty and ugly scenes at the end as Ramsdale and Richarlison clashed, before a Spurs fan appeared to kick the England keeper.
The Arsenal players were finally dragged off to enjoy a thoroughly deserved celebration with their own ecstatic supporters.
Spurs fall short again
Spurs may have created chances and moments of trouble for Arsenal, particularly in the second half, but it was a serious game for Conte and his players as they looked off the pace for long periods.
They were trailing again at half-time for the ninth time this season, seventh in the Premier League, after a first term in which their mediocrity was in stark contrast to their rivals’ excellence.
Spurs have made a habit of slow starts and occasionally digging themselves out of holes, but they left themselves too much to do against this highly confident Arsenal outfit.
Kane was aiming to equal Jimmy Graves’ record of 266 goals for Spurs, but Ramsdale had his best chance. At the other end, though, Lloris produced another of those mistakes that often happens with a goalkeeper of his reputation.
Saka’s cross deflected off Sessegnon but the French keeper had to do better than to let the ball slip into his own net behind him.
It summed up Spurs’ first-half display and they finished fifth, a game adrift of Manchester United in the Champions League places, five points adrift.
