North London Derby win sends Arsenal eight clear at the top

Aaron Ramsdale celebrates after saving from Ryan Sessegnon in Arsenal's North London Derby win at Tottenham on Sunday to move eight clear at the top. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

It was always going to be a feisty affair and with recent history firmly behind Tottenham, Arsenal was expected to struggle and cave in but the Gunners underlined their title credentials by opening an incredible eight points gap at the top of the premier league.

Tottenham had Dejan Kulusevski back from injury and Richarlison made it to the bench since limping out at the World Cup; Pape Sarr retained his spot in the middle of the pack alongside Pierre Emile Hoijberg but it was Arsenal’s Thomas Partey that dominated the midfield affairs.

The Gunners retained the same starting lineup that labored to a goalless draw against Newcastle and was quick off the mark as always; it took only fourteen minutes for Arsenal to score as Hugo Lloris helped Saka’s fierce cross past his own goal line to send Arsenal in front.

Partey left the upright reverberating for a while with a sizzling strike from outside the box and Martin Odegaard made it 2-0 in the 36^th minute. Receiving from Partey, Saka raced down the right with Ryan Sessegnon nowhere to be found, he fed Odegaard and the rest is history from outside the box.

Spurs responded with three attempts; Heung Min Son should have scored when he raced through on goal but Aaron Ramsdale saved brilliantly. Kane had a late header in the first half repelled by the England keeper too but in all, Arsenal managed the half well.

Spurs came out blazing in the second half but Ramsdale stood firm on several occasions. The Gunners settled after the hour mark and that was the end of everything for the hosts who now slipped five points outside the top four with the loss.

The last Arsenal win at Tottenham dates back to 2014, also the last time the Gunners did a double on their city rivals. The emphatic win sends Arsenal eight points clear at the top following City’s loss to United earlier on Saturday.

"It is about time. It felt amazing," Arsenal captain Odegaard told 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 enjoyed the game.

"We are in a good position, there is no doubt about that. We've got to stay humble and keep working hard. You saw the difference in the first and second half today so we have things to improve. We have to keep going."