Arsenal demonstrates dominance in crucial derby victory over Tottenham

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight with his team's performance, showcasing their potential as serious contenders for the English Premier League title. Gabriel Magalhaes sealed a 1-0 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur with a decisive header on September 15th.

The Gunners shrugged off the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to remain undefeated this season and close within two points of leaders Manchester City – the only team with a perfect four wins.

“After the international break, we had a few blows. How the team reacted was magnificent. It showed a lot of maturity from the team,” said Arteta.

“When they get into the final third, it’s very difficult because they have a structure. We were missing vital players and we had to react to that. We had to adjust and use different players and qualities.

“And when we have to defend in deeper areas, we did it really well. There are things to improve but we have another victory here and it’s huge. I know how our supporters will feel about this so enjoy it.”

Arteta’s side were without skipper Odegaard due to an ankle injury suffered on Norway duty, while Rice served a suspension for his red card against Brighton.

Losing two such influential players appeared to make Arsenal vulnerable on their trip up the Seven Sisters Road to face their bitter rivals.

But the Premier League title contenders dug deep with a combative display, benefitting from Tottenham’s latest display of wasteful finishing before Gabriel bagged the winner in the second half.

The Brazilian defender’s first goal since February made it three wins from four league games for unbeaten Arsenal as they chase a first title since 2004 after two successive runners-up finishes.

Arsenal have now won on their last three visits to Tottenham, losing just once, in May 2022, in their last eight meetings with their hated neighbours.

The Gunners will turn their attention to their Champions League opener at Atalanta on Sept 19 before travelling to face Pep Guardiola’s City next weekend.

The 196th north London derby showed Arsenal have steel and spirit aplenty for what is to come, but they also needed a dose of good fortune as Tottenham let them off the hook in the first half.

Failing to turn dominant spells into goals has been a familiar story for Spurs this season and once again Ange Postecoglou’s men were let down by their lack of cutting edge.

Tottenham’s second successive defeat leaves them with only one win from four games in a worrying start to the season for Postecoglou after their late swoon last term cost them a top-four place.

Spurs’ profligacy gave Arsenal encouragement and amid a flurry of aggressive challenges, the simmering derby tension boiled over after Jurrien Timber’s tackle on Pedro Porro left the Tottenham right-back writhing on the turf.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario confronted the Arsenal defender, with both players receiving yellow.

By the time Dejan Kulusevski crudely up-ended Jorginho on the stroke of half-time, seven players had been booked in a fractious clash, including five from Tottenham.

Toothless Tottenham were then hit with a brutal sucker punch in the 64th minute.

With 23 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season, Arsenal have become dead-ball specialists and this was another expertly worked routine.