Arsenal outclass Tottenham to go eight points clear
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Arsenal put up an excellent performance to beat Tottenham 2-0 in the North London Derby on Sunday.
THE LOWDOWN: CLASSY ARSENAL
Arsenal made the short trip across London to face Tottenham on Sunday. This game came after second-placed Manchester City had dropped points by losing in the Manchester Derby earlier on Saturday.
The Gunners knew a win would take them eight points clear at the summit and they went for it from the get-go.
Bukayo Saka’s cross was turned home by Hugo Lloris to hand Arsenal the perfect start before Martin Odegaard fired home from outside the area to double the league leaders’ lead.
Despite coming under intense pressure after the break, Arsenal stood firm to nick a first win at Spurs since 2014.
THE LATEST: HOW IT HAPPENED
Arsenal were at their brilliant best against Antonio Conte’s men in the North London derby on Sunday.
Things started perfectly when a bizarre own goal from Hugo Lloris put Arsenal in front after just 14 minutes, and that lead was doubled on 36 minutes when Martin Odegaard fired home from outside the area.
After going 1-0 up, Ramsdale was forced to produce the first of his excellent saves when he used his feet to deny Heung-min Son after he was slipped in.
At the other end, PL player of the month Odegaard was afforded space and time in the Spurs half as he fired home from way out to hand the Gunners a two-goal cushion.
Ramsdale was then called into action by Harry Kane, but the former Bournemouth goalkeeper did well to deny his international teammate.
Also, Mikel Arteta’s side needed more big stops from Ramsdale in the second half to help Arsenal keep the lead after the break.
Arsenal have now garnered 47 points from 18 Premier League games this season – the most points the Gunners have won at this stage of a season in their league history.
THE VERDICT: STATEMENT RESULT
It was a result that was needed to affirm Arsenal’s readiness to challenge for the title and not just the top four.
It was a dominant first-half display, while the second was more of grit and determination to get over the line, which are qualities of a champion.
Arteta’s men capitalized on Manchester City’s slip and will now go into next weekend’s game against Manchester United filled with more confidence.