On Sunday, Arsenal put on a masterclass to defeat shell-shocked north London rival Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 and extend the Premier League lead to eight points.
The Gunners raced out of the gate and took the lead in the first half thanks to a clumsy own goal by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris and a sublime strike from Martin Odegaard.
Tottenham was completely outplayed by a fired-up Arsenal side led by Mikel Arteta, who was determined to make amends for a loss at Spurs last season, which cost them a top-four spot.
It dominated the first half and fought hard in the second, leaving Tottenham manager Antonio Conte looking downcast on the sidelines as he clapped his hands to rally his struggling team.
Harry Kane had chances either side of the break to equal Jimmy Greaves’ all-time Spurs scoring record, but keeper Aaron Ramsdale was equal to them.
“It’s a matter of time. “It felt incredible,” said Arsenal captain Odegaard to Sky Sports. “We remembered what happened here last time and we wanted to play a better game and show a different side to us. We had a good time.”
Arsenal now has 47 points from 18 games, one more than Manchester City, with Newcastle United, which has played one more game, and Manchester United trailing by a point.
Spurs are fifth in the table with 33 points from 19 games.
CLEAR OPPORTUNITY
After seven minutes, Arsenal had their first clear chance, but Eddie Nketiah’s shot was well saved by the diving Lloris.
Seven minutes later, Bukayo Saka crossed from the right, and Lloris fumbled the ball into his own net for the first time in his 354 Premier League appearances.
Arsenal was in complete control, and Odegaard almost extended the visitors’ lead with a rasping long-range drive that Frenchman Lloris tipped round the post.
Thomas Partey then drew even closer with a fierce volley from just outside the area that struck the post.
However, Arsenal extended its lead in the 36th minute thanks to Odegaard’s precise shot into the corner past a helpless Lloris.
Spurs created a rare chance just before halftime when Kane’s glancing header was turned away by Ramsdale at the near post following Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s right-wing cross.
After halftime, Kane forced another fine save from Ramsdale as the hosts attempted to regain control of the game.
Despite their efforts, Tottenham were unable to break through, and it was the visitors who nearly scored again in the 69th minute when Saka’s close-range effort was saved.
The win gave Arsenal its first league double over Spurs since the 2013-14 season, and it also put it firmly in control of the title race.
“There is no doubt that we are in a good position,” Odegaard added. “We must remain humble and continue to work hard. You could tell the difference between the first and second halves today, so we have work to do. We must persevere.”
