Antonio Conte highlighted on Friday that the target on Arsenal’s back has become larger and larger, but no one has been able to strike it throughout the first half of the Premier League season. Certainly not Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, who suffered a second consecutive derby defeat.
The 3-1 setback at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in October 2016 was unfortunate, or perhaps it was just understandable and anticipated. This one was worse, primarily because Arsenal fully dominated the first half and put the game to bed with two goals — the first on a Hugo Lloris handling blunder and the second on a Martin degaard finish.
A big subplot centered on how Mikel Arteta’s young team would respond to the occasion’s intensity. The outcome was favorable. Their first away league victory against Spurs since 2014 was constructed on the assurance of Thomas Partey, the artistry of degaard, and the tenacity of Bukayo Saka, but it seemed a bit unjust to spotlight only their contributions.
Following Manchester City’s defeat at the hands of a resurgent United on Saturday, Arsenal sits eight points clear atop the Premier League standings with 18 matches remaining. A first title since 2004 is theirs to lose.
Based on this information, it will take a tremendous stumble for them to fall short. And they have provided no indication whatsoever that this is their fate. United will be their next opponent on Sunday.
An altercation between Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Spurs replacement Richarlison triggered a major brawl on the field. Which was met with jeers from the Spurs fans at the final whistle.
After that, a Spurs fan behind the goal climbed into the advertising hoardings and kicked Ramsdale, which was a reprehensible act.
Arsenal win at Tottenham thanks to Ødegaard.
Spurs were more effective in the second half, albeit with few clear-cut opportunities. But Ramsdale was a sturdy last line for Arsenal, and a lasting image was created when the players from both teams were separated — Arteta had to work hard to free Granit Xhaka — and the red players went over to celebrate in front of the away end. This triumph and the entire weekend seemed extremely momentous.
At the outset, Arteta’s squad exuded confidence, pressing on the offensive and seizing control of the game. Their passing was aesthetically pleasing, as evidenced by the diagonal pass from Partey to Saka in the buildup to the game-winning goal.
Saka charged Ryan Sessegnon, who retreated, but Spurs’ troubles were just beginning. When Saka crossed the ball, Lloris was in position at his near post. And it appeared to be a routine catch. Not only did he let the ball slide between his fingertips, but he also managed to deflect it into his own goal.
The South Stand was startled behind him.
Only the delayed reaction of the traveling fans at the opposite end shattered the hush.
Before that, Arsenal had threatened, Spurs escaping danger when Lloris got Clément Lenglet into difficulties and the defender’s clearance was blocked by degaard. Gabriel Martinelli played a deep cross, as Eddie Nketiah advanced on Hugo Lloris. Partey also directed a degaard free-kick over the crossbar.
The spurs endured a difficult start to the first half. It appeared that Arsenal had more players on the field. Their deftness in possession was too much for Spurs to handle as they often found openings.
Saka ran riot on the right wing against Sessegnon, whom Conte had started over Ivan Perisic. And the only surprise was that the score was only 2-0 at halftime.
The second goal for Arsenal was scored by degaard, who shot low into the bottom corner from beyond the area following a fantastic move and yet another Saka dash. There was no Spurs defender near degaard. And many home fans had the unexpected notion to beat the halftime drink lines.
The destination had been marked. degaard beat Lloris after a great move, and there was a moment in the 24th minute when a Martinelli volley caused panic, with Spurs escaping by the skin of their teeth. However, in the second phase, Partey rushed onto a volley and caught it so sweetly. A post was nearly uprooted by the shot.
Son Heung-min sent a shot at Ramsdale in the 18th minute, and Harry Kane forced the goalkeeper to make a smart stop on the stroke of halftime. But these were isolated incidents.
The spurs did attack with more vigor in the second half.
Kane began to emerge, and Dejan Kulusevski, who had returned to the team after an injury, began cutting in from the right and attempting his characteristic curls.
After Kane’s deft ball to Sessegnon, Ramsdale made a second stop from Kane and then a spectacular save from Sessegnon.
Never were tempered far from boiling. Arsenal demanded a second yellow card for Cristian Romero following his reckless lunge on Granit Xhaka. Which prompted a heated exchange between the Arsenal midfielder and Antonio Conte. Spurs simply desired the next goal.
Nketiah was denied by Lloris as Arsenal inched closer to scoring a third goal. How Nketiah has made light of Gabriel Jesus’ injury-related absence. Again, he was outstanding. Spurs needed a statement win after defeating only Fulham and Brighton from the top half of the table this season. Arsenal was the team that exited with confidence.
