Arsenal vs Tottenham: 4 talking points from North London Derby win

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) celebrates with his players at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 14, 2021. - Arsenal won the game 2-1. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Julian Finney / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JULIAN FINNEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 14: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Left Side of Defence is the Future

Tierney had one of his best games in an Arsenal shirt, just like Gabriel. The pair were outstanding.

It was evident in the build-up that Mikel Arteta had instructed his side to target Spurs’ right flank, firstly as one of either Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier are suspect defending in a back four, and also because it ensured Gareth Bale would have to do most of his work in the defensive third and not in a more advanced position to spring into counter-attacks. It worked brilliantly. Would’ve been more so if Arsenal could convert.

The Scot was outstanding in his work-rate and endeavour, never stopping for breath and covering every blade of grass on that side. In setting up as they did, it meant he could play as an auxiliary winger for most of the match, delivering cross after cross once he skinned Doherty. The cut-back from which Odegaard scored is something he’s been adding to his repertoire of late.

To his right, Gabriel continues to prove that the £23m spent on his signature was daylight robbery. A colossus at the back, his bravery in and out of possession stands out as his finest trait, one that is invaluable to turning over the ball with pace and breaking down opposition attacks. He almost performs the role of a defensive midfielder at times with his sharp thought process.

His list of clutch moments is extended with a win-saving block on the line in the dying embers, at a time where Arsenal were on the ropes. Left-back and left centre-back are as strong as they can be.

Is this…good recruitment? Hats off to Unai and Mikel on those.

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