Arsenal looked and played like a big team against Spurs, says Jamie Carragher

Arteta led Arsenal to a 2-1 victory at the weekend

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal ‘played like a big team’ in their 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday.

The Gunners outplayed their local rivals for much of the 90 minutes at the Emirates, coming from behind to secure victory through a second half Alexandre Lacazette penalty.

And Carragher feels Arsenal showed the characteristics of a side well above what their current league position suggests.

“I like what l see from Mikel Arteta,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show. “Last season he was very pragmatic, because he had to be, and it won the FA Cup, beating big teams.

“They didn’t play against Tottenham like they did last season. They were on the front foot and they dominated. They looked and played like a big team.”

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Arsenal remain 10th in the Premier League table, a position which – if they were to remain there until the end of the season – would be the club’s lowest finish in 26 years.

But while it is important to recognise that Arteta has been given time to turn things around, Carragher also thinks the Spaniard has proven himselfby evolving the squad.

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“Yes, Arteta was fortunate that after Arsene Wenger goes and Unai Emery went quickly, the next manager was always likely to get a lot of time,” he added.

Lacazette’s penalty gave Arsenal all three points and the bragging rights in North London

“Arsenal couldn’t be seen as a club which always changed manager every 12 months. That helps Arteta. But l also think moving on Ozil, Sokratis and Mustafi in January, that almost brought a feel-good factor to the club. I am impressed what they are doing.”

Next up for Arsenal is the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie against Olympiacos at the Emirates.

Arteta’s men produced a professional display in Greece last week as they brought a 3-1 lead back to North London.

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