3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s 2-0 victory in the North London Derby

Positive #3: No more ‘free hits’

There was a mentality particularly among the fans last year that particular games were ‘free hits’. That mentality never necessarily translated over to the players, but it’s 100% not there now. Manchester City dropped points in their loss to Manchester United, and we could’ve played our ‘free hit’ card in a tough away fixture, essentially meaning that it wouldn’t be too bad if we’d lost.

This team has got a championship-winning mentality, and they beat their biggest rivals away from home in some style to extend their lead at the top to eight points. That’s what title winners do.

Negative #3: Positive bonus round!

Tricked you guys, I refuse to actually be negative about a game like this. Here are some quick hits:

• Oleksandr Zinchenko… oh Zinchenko good lord this guy is good. He just has an unreal technical ability that has become so invaluable to this team.
• Eddie Nketiah didn’t score and had some good chances but man was he good today, he’s becoming such an elite all-round striker.
• Arteta saved Granit Xhaka from a rest-of-season ban by stopping him from joining the chaos at the end of the game. He would’ve gone full Mortal Kombat on someone for sure.
• Hey, have I mentioned that we’re top of the league by eight points yet? Because we’re top of the league by eight points.
• Ben White has now locked down Son Heung-min on two occasions. What a player.

• Fun fact to end it: if Arsenal win next week they will be at a 100-point pace at the halfway mark of the season.