Arsenal extended their advantage at the top of the Premier League to a commanding eight points with an amazing performance and victory in the north London derby at Tottenham
With an outstanding display of brilliance in the first half and tenacity after the break, the Gunners fully capitalized on Manchester City’s defeat at Manchester United on Saturday to secure a crucial three points.
After 14 minutes, Arsenal was given a boost when Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a costly error and put a Bukayo Saka cross into his own goal, but Mikel Arteta’s team only got what they deserved when captain Martin Odegaard blasted in a second from outside the box nine minutes before halftime.
Spurs, who were so bad in the first half, did have opportunities, but Aaron Ramsdale, the visiting goalkeeper, was in superb form as he denied Harry Kane twice either side of halftime and also blocked Ryan Sessegnon’s angled shot.
Following Manchester City’s defeat at Old Trafford, Arsenal was given a tremendous opportunity to gain a stronger lead in the title race. However, the pressure of playing in a north London derby also came with the anticipation.
The challenge was met by the Gunners, who, as they have so frequently this season, overran Spurs to seize control in the first 45 minutes and then maintained composure in the face of Antonio Conte’s team’s anticipated comeback after the interval.
In the first half, Arsenal overpowered Spurs and were virtually unstoppable; the captain’s goal and Lloris’ own goal were paltry consolation prizes for their overwhelming dominance.
While Saka ran Spurs ragged along Arsenal’s right flank, setting up the opening goal, and was a continuous nuisance for Spurs, Odegaard was the epitome of class in midfield.
And when Spurs attempted to create a comeback, the visitors demonstrated that they were willing to do the grunt work. In order to defend the advantage, his defenders were ready to hurl themselves in front of anything. Keeper Ramsdale was excellent.
At the conclusion of the game, Ramsdale and Richarlison got into an altercation before a Spurs fan seemed to kick the England goalkeeper.
Arsenal’s players were eventually dragged away to enjoy their thoroughly-deserved celebrations with their own ecstatic supporters.
The defeat sees Spurs remain in fifth place, five points behind Manchester United in the Champions League places having played a game more.