The North London Derby needs no introduction. It’s a match that each side’s fan base will have circled from the minute the calendar was revealed. For neutrals, the tactical chess match between Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Spurs manager Antonio Conte manifested itself as the Gunners won a brilliant 3-1 affair, filled with end-to-end, attacking play.
What a strike to give Arsenal the lead! #AFC
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
Whoo that goal gives me a very complicated feeling!!!!
— Aaron West (@oeste) October 1, 2022
Midfielder Thomas Partey was responsible as Arsenal broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. A well-hit effort from just outside the penalty area put the Gunners ahead 1-0, but only briefly.
Harry Kane scores from the spot against Arsenal yet again!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
Ten minutes later, Harry Kane found Spurs’ equalizer from the spot following a clumsy tackle in the box by Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães.
Here's what led to Gabriel Jesus' goal.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
A thoroughly entertaining first half ensured both sides went into the break, absolutely confident they could win it in the second 45. It was Arsenal, however, who re-took the lead, thanks to the tenacity of Gabriel Jesus. Bukayo Saka fizzed in a tricky shot and after an initial save by Hugo Lloris, the Frenchman muffed the rebound from close range, allowing Jesus to tap in the winning goal.
You make the call. Was this foul a red?
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
Conte’s job was made that much harder just after the hour mark, as his side was reduced to ten men. Referee Anthony Taylor sent Emerson Royal for an early bath after a horribly late and dangerous tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.
Granit Xhaka doubles Arsenal's advantage!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
Arsenal wasted no time in doubling their neighbor’s sorrows and barely spared a thought in the process. A brilliant bit of interplay inside the Tottenham penalty area culminated with Granit Xhaka spearing home a strike to make it 3-1.
Coach Beard, Leah Williamson, Ted Lasso scouting Tottenham pic.twitter.com/1Xb7ELUE1R
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 1, 2022
This is the second North London Derby win in a week for the Gunners, as the Arsenal women’s team comprehensively beat Spurs 4-0 in the Women’s Super League last Saturday. Arsenal and England star Leah Williamson was in attendance for the men’s fixture alongside Coach Beard and Ted Lasso.
Arsenal’s win ensures they will remain top of the league for this week, just before they begin a difficult run of games including Liverpool, Leeds United and Manchester City.
Even with the loss, Spurs still sit in the top four and are just four points adrift of their rivals in red.
