Tottenham 3-0 Arsenal: 3 talking points from north London derby

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts as he walks off with his team mates at half time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal reacts as he walks off with his team mates at half time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, GX
Tottenham 3-0 Arsenal: 3 talking points from north London derby as Gunners lose ground on Premier League top four against Antonio Conte’s side. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Tottenham has defeated Arsenal 3-0 in the latest installment of the north London derby. A first-half double from Harry Kane sent Spurs on their way, with Rob Holding shown his marching orders to gift their rivals a win. Son Heung-Min added a third just after halftime to complete the rout.

Mikel Arteta kept the same starting XI that defeated Leeds last time out, with Eddie Nketiah again leading the line as they looked to secure Champions League football.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Spurs had the chance to take the lead when Cedric pushed into the back of Son Heung-Min, and referee Paul Tierney pointed to the spot. Harry Kane stepped up and slotted home his shot to give Spurs the lead.

It got worse for Arsenal just 12 minutes later. Rob Holding was shown a second yellow for a block on Son and was shown his marching orders to give the visitors a mountain to climb. Just minutes later, Spurs doubled their lead. From a corner the ball was flicked on by Rodrigo Bentancur to the back post, where Harry Kane glided in and headed home as Arsenal was crumbling.

Tottenham 3-0 Arsenal: 3 talking points from north London derby as Gunners lose ground on Premier League top four against Antonio Conte’s side

Arsenal managed to get to halftime without any more damage, as the game was essentially over in the first 45.

The second half got off to the worse possible start for Arsenal as, just 75 seconds after the restart, Son had the ball in the net. After neat work from Kane, the ball broke kindly for Son, who lashed home.

The second half petered out with little to no willingness from either side to make a go of it as Spurs sealed a memorable win to keep the race for the top four wide open.

A hotly anticipated Premier League game provided plenty of talking points, here they are.

Arsenal, Rambo
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal reacts after Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores his 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Crowning Moment Lost

Win and secure Champions League football. That is all Arsenal had to do against Spurs, and they failed, miserably.

After a relatively positive start, Arsenal looked in good shape, however it sucked the air out of the squad once the penalty was given.

With two games to go, the Gunners still hold favoritism for a top four spot, being a point ahead of Spurs. But now it gets nervy. Away to Newcastle and then home to Everton is the task for Mikel Arteta’s side. If the game just passed was the biggest one of the season, just you wait for Monday.

This was a huge chance to take away all the nervousness, anxiety, and everything about qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition. Now, Arsenal faces a challenging last two games that they simply have to win.

It was all there tonight to make a statement, and Arsenal made one, but the wrong one. If there is one positive to come out of this battering, it is that destiny is still firmly in Arsenal’s hands.

Continued on next page…