Arsenal were able to make North London derby history on Sunday as they secured a 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal maintained their pace at the top of the Premier League table with a crucial win over their bitter capital city rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The first half of this derby clash could not have gone much better for the Gunners. Whilst the hosts made an energetic start, it was Mikel Arteta’s side who drew first blood. With 15 minutes on the clock, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could only manage to turn Bukayo Saka’s delivery from a corner into his own net.
Spurs thought they had equalised, but Micky van de Ven’s goal was ruled out by VAR for a tight offside, before Saka doubled Arsenal’s advantage. Kai Havertz picked out the 22-year-old with a big switch of play. The Hale End academy graduate took the ball in his stride with an immaculate first touch and carried it forward before finding the bottom corner.
Saka equalled two achievements last managed for Arsenal by Ian Wright in this match. Meanwhile, Havertz also impressed Arsenal fans. The German added a third goal in the 38th minute, as the Gunners again profited from a corner.
This time, Declan Rice was the one to deliver the ball. Havertz escaped his marker and connected with the cross, nodding Arsenal 3-0 up from close range.
How Arsenal achieved a Premier League first against Tottenham Hotspur
As reported by Squawka, with this goal Arsenal were able to record the fastest ever three-goal lead by a club playing in a Premier League North London derby match away from home.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was indeed silenced, as the Gunners’ proficiency from set-pieces once again came to their aid.
Arteta’s side have been the most successful team in the Premier League when it comes to scoring goals from corners this season. Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was hailed by Gary Neville for his role as the architect of this victory.
Win over Spurs keeps Arsenal alive in Premier League title race
The second half was a far less comfortable affair for the visitors, as they conceded twice and were made to cling on for a nervy final few minutes to see out their victory.
To have dropped points in this game would have been a disaster. Not only would it have sapped Arsenal’s momentum and morale, but it would likely have handed Manchester City the Premier League title.
As things stand, Arsenal remain very much in the race to be crowned champions.