Five things learned as Arsenal stay top after derby win over Tottenham
Arsenal were able to retain their spot at the top of the Premier League after beating Tottenham 3-1 in the north London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side put an end to Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the campaign, with their intensity and flair causing their fierce rivals plenty of issues.
Granit Xhaka capped off Arsenal’s impressive performance with his goal in the 67th minute, capitalising on Tottenham’s lack of shape after Emerson Royal was sent off moments earlier for a dangerous tackle on Gabriel Martinelli. The right-back appeared to run his studs down the back of the winger, despite being deep in the Arsenal half.
Former Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus had put Arsenal ahead early in the second half, scrambling home from close range in the 49th minute to capitalise on a poor mistake from Hugo Lloris, his fifth goal of the campaign. His side had taken the lead initially through Thomas Partey in the 20th minute – who had been an injury doubt before the game – when the Ghanian whipped a curling effort into the top corner from outside of the box.
But Arsenal’s lead lasted just 11 minutes as Harry Kane continued his rich vein of form from the penalty spot, slotting the ball past Aaron Ramsdale after Gabriel brought down his Brazil team-mate Richarlison inside the box. The Gunners claiming bragging rights will give their side a major confidence boost heading into a busy October, here’s what we learned from the north London derby.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Conte’s formation arrogance
Against Leicester, before the international break, Tottenham flourished after Yves Bissouma entered the fray and formed a three-man midfield – and Conte may regret not starting the Malian against Spurs. The Italian is set on his 3-4-3 formation, though it is preventing his side from getting a firm grip on matches against top sides.
Arteta certainly anticipated the Spurs set-up, opting to play Oleksandr Zinchenko over Kieran Tierney in left-back knowing that he will step inside to give Arsenal a 4 v 2 in the centre of the park. Ben White, too, came inside when required – and Conte may need to reconsider his plans going forward and taking on other ‘Big Six’ sides that like to dominate the midfield.
Kane a London derby menace
Kane’s penalty means that he is now the leading scorer in London derbies, scoring 44 goals in those matches. His opener for Spurs meant that he surpassed Thierry Henry’s record of 43 – who was present at the Emirates Stadium once more.
Prior to Saturday’s defeat, Kane had already shown that he thrives when he remains in London, scoring against Fulham and Chelsea. The goal also means that the England captain is the first player in Premier League history to score 100 goals away from home.
Saliba proves Keown right
Earlier this week, Gunners hero Martin Keown suggested that William Saliba could be the leader that Arsenal need in central defence after suggestions that the Frenchman could struggle due to the lack of experience around him, and he was right. Saliba was one of the best players on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, consistently showing composure when trying to build from defence.
The 21-year-old did well up against the Spurs trio of Son, Kane and Richarlison, using his pace and power to dominate aerial duels and also get back to sniff out balls in behind. Saliba’s performance, as well as Ben White doing well in right-back, could lead to suggestions that Arteta would be more likely to sign a defender to play alongside him that will learn from Saliba rather than vice-versa.
Son still not on song
Many expected Son Heung-min’s hat-trick against Leicester City to spark him into finding the form that saw him win the Golden Boot last season, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The Korea international was well off the pace against Arsenal, struggling to truly influence the match.
The 30-year-old wasted several opportunities in the final third to create chances, overhitting passes to team-mates and struggling to link up with his players in the way he has previously. The injury to Dejan Kulusevski means that Son is unlikely to be displaced in the very short term, but he must find some form sooner rather than later before criticism mounts.
Djed Spence opening on the horizon
Royal’s shocking red card in the second half means that he will miss several key matches for Spurs, and Conte may be forced to finally give summer signing Djed Spence a chance. The right wing-back arrived from Middlesbrough with high expectations following an excellent loan spell at Nottingham Forest but has played a solitary minute of Premier League football for the club.
Conte has admitted that Spence is not quite ready to step into his starting eleven, but the consistently underwhelming performances by Royal may force his hand. Matt Doherty will also be hoping that his team-mate’s suspension will hand him some much-needed minutes.
Source: Read Full Article