3 talking points from Arsenal’s 2-0 victory in the North London Derby

Arsenal overcame their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 to move eight points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League table.

It was a match that demonstrated all the aspects of a well-drilled Mikel Arteta side. The first-half performance wasn’t just better than Spurs, it was some of the best football that has been seen all season: it was controlled, dominant, and fluid in attack – all hallmarks of a title-winning side.

The hosts fought back in the second period, but a fine Aaron Ramsdale performance ensured the Gunners kept a clean sheet and earned all three points.

3 talking points from Arsenal’s 2-0 victory in the North London Derby

Here are three talking points from Arsenal’s victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:

1. Arsenal overcome their biggest test

Spurs aren’t the best side in the Premier League but winning away against their rivals was the biggest test for Arteta. Only last season, Spurs’ 3-0 demolition in this fixture set the wheels in motion for a late collapse in the top-four race. It was different today though. Arsenal’s undeniable quality shone through for the duration of the first half and much of the second.

Despite the first goal being a gift from Hugo Lloris, it was almost symbolic of how the match was going to play out. Spurs were poor in so many areas that Arsenal were able to exploit it easily – particularly through Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The Gunners’ right-sided duo terrorised the poor Spurs defence for the entirety of the first half and, especially when Ben White’s overlapping runs were added to the attack, there was little they could do about it.

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