Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham: 5 talking points from North London Derby win

How good was that? A commanding first half set up a rather comfortable win for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side in the North London Derby as the hosts ran out 3-1 winners on Sunday.

Emile Smith Rowe got the ball rolling with a goal straight out of Hale End. Bukayo Saka did some lovely work in the box before cutting the ball back to the onrushing 21-year-old who calmly slotted past Hugo Lloris to get the Emirates rocking.

The second was of his creation as a blistering counter-attack saw Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brilliantly combine in a move that finished with the captain firing across Lloris and into the far corner.

Bukayo Saka completed a brutal 20-minute spell that sent the Gunners on their way to an impressive win as Harry Kane’s assist teed him up to stroke the ball home and send the home faithful into delirium.

5 talking points from North London Derby win as Arsenal see off Tottenham 3-1 in the Premier League with a magnificent performance

From the outset there was clear intent from the Gunners to play a high tempo and full-throttle style. It was something that Tottenham could not handle as they were swept aside by a rampaging Arsenal outfit.

As with any North London Derby there are numerous talking points, and here are some from the masterclass at the Emirates.

1. Made in Hale End

Over the last year or so, anything good for Arsenal has come from its two academy graduates in Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. Today was no different.

The pair were electric, particularly in the first half, with Smith Rowe scoring the game’s first goal courtesy of his friend Saka’s well worked assist.

After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted Arsenal’s second, Saka got in on the act to essentially put the game beyond Spurs in a devastating first-half spell that had the Emirates rocking like it used to.

Much has been made of the pair as they essentially shoulder the hope and dreams of the entire fan base ,but when they put in performances like they did today, you can see why.

Everything they touched turned to gold on Sunday and these young men were the driving force behind the Gunners outstanding first-half display. With a foundation behind them, their infectious energy and work-rate could flourish.

While they’re still so young, with the No. 7 and No. 10 shirts while playing every week for this club there is an unavoidable amount of responsibility that comes with: namely goals and assists.

They got one of each inside 35 minutes.

2. Mikel Arteta Starting to Deliver?

Sitting bottom of the Premier League table just weeks ago, Arteta stated that judgement should be saved for when he has his full complement of players available. Well, in the last four games, Arteta has fielded near enough his best XI and it has yielded four straight wins.

Eight goals scored and just one conceded during the four-game stretch points to a side that is turning the corner.

On Sunday, Arteta got everything spot on. From team selection to tactics and everything in between it was sensational to watch, especially in the first half. Arsenal attacked with fluency and direction, utilising space and overloads, with a purpose to the play that saw chances created with every foray forward.

Having seemingly been on his way out of the Emirates after a disastrous start in which the club was winless in three games, didn’t score a goal, and was rooted to the bottom of the table, now there is a different feel. If this is what Arteta is capable of manager then the future is distinctly brighter.

Arsenal now moves up to tenth in the league – and above Spurs – while it appears that Arteta is finally starting to deliver on the so-called process everyone was meant to trust. If Sunday is anything to go by, then when he has a fully fit squad to choose from and can play his way, this Arsenal side is going places.

3. A Magnificent Atmosphere at The Emirates Stadium

Having fans back at stadiums is something many of us have missed greatly and on Sunday the Emirates crowd was sensational, as it has been all season.

Making a concerted effort to get behind the team, hearing the constant chants and cheers was music to the players’ ears. They fed off that emotion. You could see the positive impact it had on the whole group who absorbed that energy.

With the fans entirely behind them, the players had that boost of confidence and spring in their step, which showed they dismantled Spurs in the first half.

Another thing worth noting is that in years gone by when Arsenal was put under constant pressure as they were in the second half, the crowd would grow restless, and the groans would be heard throughout the stadium. There was a different feel on Sunday. A real connection.

The fans were behind every player, every pass and tackle as it was a show of full support to the team and the club. It was refreshing to see as the fans can witness a greater idea of what the club’s direction is now with Arteta at the helm. Hats off to every fan in the stadium and all those so far this season.

They’ve truly been a 12th man.

4. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale and Whole Defence Shine

Arsenal’s backline of Gabriel, Ben White, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all outstanding. Just as they were against Norwich and Burnley, only better.

White and Gabriel marshaled Harry Kane well and effectively put him out of the game. Tierney and Tomiyasu were defensively solid with the Japanese winning everything in the air and on the ground in what was another impressive performance from the former Bologna man.

What a signing he looks like being. The crowd adore him. Dogged, determined and athletic, it was a fabulous outing for him.

The passion and togetherness from this Arsenal rearguard is something that has been sorely missing over the years. With Ramsdale and Gabriel leading it, there are hopes of a sturdy foundation for seasons to come. The communication coupled with their ball-playing ability make this Arsenal back-four a solid unit – and it is only going to get better with more matches.

Both White and Gabriel played some delectable balls out from the back either through lines or as long switches, with the only noticeable blip being White’s fortunate penalty escape.

On Sunday when there was a defensive tackle or a save from Ramsdale, the entire back four were in unison as their determination and willingness to play for the badge was incredible on a day that meant as much to the fans as it did to them.

Four of those back five were signed during Arteta’s reign and the other handed a new deal. Some astute signings, it would appear.

5. A Captain’s Performance From Aubameyang

Much was made of Aubameyang’s start to the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, but with essentially half the side out, his service was sorely lacking, to say the least.

Fast forward to Sunday and the Gunners’ No.14 was again on the scoresheet, but moreover, it was one of the best performances from the striker seen for some time.

Aubameyang has now scored two goals in the last four matches and while that might not seem significant, it is. After getting into threatening positions, he is now finding the net and on Sunday, while it was not the cleanest strike by any means, it found its way past Hugo Lloris after some superb work in the build-up.

Above all, though, was Aubameyang’s pressure and harassment of Spurs’ backline across the entire 90 minutes. With the pace he has, Auba was always in the face of defenders, forcing them into mistakes and maintaining energy levels across his side. He led from the front against Tottenham.

Such dedication isn’t solely linked to Sunday. He also bust a gut against Burnley only to be let down by a poor final pass on a number of occasions. This time he got his one big chance and took it. Killer instincts.

It is this that has been sorely missing from his game earlier in the year but over the last few weeks, it feels like Arsenal are finally getting the real Aubameyang back. Hungry, passionate and committed, he put on a captain’s show.

Oh, and the Henry celebration in front of the Spurs fans? Inject it.