Arsenal edged past Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-1 victory in the North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, moving within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal late in the first half, completing a comeback that keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race.
Match Highlights
First Half: A Derby in Full Swing
- 22nd Minute: After a dominant start from Arsenal, Spurs threatened through Dejan Kulusevski, whose shot was saved by David Raya.
- 25th Minute: Spurs took the lead when Son Heung-min volleyed home via a deflection off Thomas Partey.
- 40th Minute: Arsenal equalized when Radu Dragusin’s defensive header deflected off teammate Dominic Solanke and into the net following a Gunners set-piece.
- 44th Minute: Leandro Trossard scored what proved to be the winner with a precise low drive past Antonin Kinsky, capping off a spirited first-half performance.
Second Half: Arsenal Hold Firm
- Arsenal pushed for a third goal, with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard all coming close to extending the lead.
- Stoppage Time Drama: Spurs nearly snatched an equalizer when Pedro Porro’s long-range strike cannoned off the woodwork, but Arsenal held on for the win.
Key Stats and Analysis
Arsenal’s Dominance
- Arsenal have now completed the league double over Tottenham for the fifth time in Premier League history.
- The Gunners extended their unbeaten league run to 11 matches, showcasing their consistency under Mikel Arteta.
Tottenham’s Struggles
- Spurs have now dropped 18 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in the league.
- Despite their early lead, defensive lapses and limited second-half creativity cost them dearly.
Player Performances
- Leandro Trossard: The match-winner was lively throughout and delivered a composed finish for his crucial goal.
- Son Heung-min: Spurs’ standout performer, scoring a well-taken opener and remaining a threat on the counter.
- Declan Rice: Commanded the midfield and played a key role in stifling Spurs’ attempts to build momentum.
What’s Next?
Arsenal: Title Charge Continues
With this victory, Arsenal move back into second place, reclaiming the spot from Nottingham Forest. They are now just four points behind Liverpool and will look to maintain pressure on the league leaders in the coming weeks.
Tottenham: Mid-Table Woes
Spurs remain in 13th place with 24 points. Their inability to close out games continues to hinder their progress, and manager Ange Postecoglou will need to find solutions quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s ability to respond to adversity and capitalize on key moments once again proved decisive in the North London Derby. With their sights firmly set on Liverpool, the Gunners look poised to sustain their title challenge, while Tottenham face mounting questions about their defensive frailties and mental resilience.
