Arsenal’s victory over Tottenham in the North London derby showcased the resilience and character of Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners had painful memories of last season’s collapse after losing two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham, which ultimately cost them the Premier League title. However, this time, they managed to hold on to a 3-0 halftime advantage and secure a vital win that kept them at the top of the table.
The match began with Arsenal exploiting Tottenham’s weakness at corners, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal and Kai Havertz’s header sandwiching Bukayo Saka’s smooth finish on the counter. A dreadful clearance from Arsenal keeper David Raya gifted Cristian Romero a goal, and a nerve-shredding finish ensued when Heung-min Son scored from the penalty spot. With six additional minutes added to the game, Arsenal fans feared the worst, but their team managed to close out the game without further alarm.
The ability to win even when not at their best is a sign of potential champions, and Arsenal demonstrated their fighting spirit by winning three straight games under pressure. Despite being outplayed by Aston Villa and being knocked out of the Champions League, they responded with a strong performance against Tottenham.
Tottenham’s defensive frailties, particularly at set-pieces, were exposed once again. Arsenal took advantage of their lack of organization and scored two goals from corners, bringing their tally to 16 goals from set-pieces this season. This oversight by Tottenham allowed Arsenal to capitalize on their defensive weaknesses.
Looking ahead, Arsenal still have three games left in the season, but Manchester City remains the favorites for the title. However, there is no doubt that Arteta has built a team heading in an upward direction, regardless of this season’s outcome. Declan Rice, who was imperious in the match, showed his quality and influence since joining Arsenal for a significant fee from West Ham.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, there is bound to be more drama. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool will continue to fight for the title, and the final stages of the season promise plenty of excitement.