After Manchester City’s narrow win over Newcastle on Saturday night, the gap at the top of the Premier League table had narrowed to two points. The Etihad outfit doing their bit, bit by bit hunting down leaders Arsenal.
Which took us to Sunday’s North London derby. The Gunners keen to prove a point by collecting all three on enemy territory, arch rivals Spurs keen to begin their Tudor revolution under their new manager. The battlelines were set within the confines of N17.
Mikel Arteta’s men quick out of the blocks but foiled by technology rather than the hosts’ defence. Referee Peter Bankes having to stop the game for five minutes due to an audio glitch between him and his assistants. The pause in action allowing both sides to regroup after a lively start.
Normal service resumed
Once that enforced hiatus was out of the way, Arsenal drew first blood. Good work from Bukayo Saka on the right saw his cross land at the feet of Eberechi Eze. He did not know much about his first touch, Spurs knew plenty about his second.
The former Crystal Palace star already a thorn in Tottenham’s side in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. His decision to choose the league leaders over the Europa League winners in the summer looking even more painful when he registered his opener.
However, the pain that Igor Tudor’s men had felt after conceding first was remedied soon after. Declan Rice’s dalliance with possession on the edge of Arsenal box saw Randal Kolo Muani pickpocket the England international.
Still work to do but Kolo Muani up to the task as he slotted home past David Raya to restore parity in the latest edition of this heated rivalry. A rare home roar around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was this going to be the impetus for further celebrations later on?
Second half slump
Unfortunately for the Croatian coach Tudor and his players, the only celebrating in the second half was from an Arsenal perspective. Viktor Gyokeres’ stunning strike just minutes after the restart restored the status quo within this part of the capital.
Spurs had to roll the dice and it looked as if their endeavour had paid dividends. Kolo Muani slotting home from Conor Gallagher’s cross. The French forward’s celebrations short lived after his was adjudged to have pushed Gabriel with too much force for Peter Bankes’ liking.
Arsenal dodging a bullet but firing further ahead in the 61st minute. That man Eze on the double after prodding home from close range. His fifth league goal against Tottenham this season, any follower in lilywhite sick of the sight of him by now.
While that same support would have been feeling further nausea if they stayed to the final whistle. Eze securing his double, teammate Gyokeres landing the same in the dying seconds. A huge win within the context of local rivalry. An ever bigger win in terms of the title race.
No new manager bounce for Spurs, Igor Tudor knew he had his work cut out when taking over. The task in hand has now grown in the size. Next up is another London derby and the trip to Fulham on Sunday, this one feels more season defining.
Next, read our recap of the last time Arsenal won the Premier League.
