The North London derby didn't disappoint the rich history between these two teams, as Arsenal won 2-1 in a very contested match against Tottenham in the 21st round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium. With this victory, the Gunners maintained their second position with 43 points, four from first-placed Liverpool, while Spurs, having a pretty turbulent season, managed to inch into 13th place with just 24 points.
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Quick response and a comeback at Emirates
The game began with Arsenal on top of possession and pressing onto their opponents. However, it was Spurs that managed the opening goal. In the 25th minute, Son Heung-min, precise in front of the box, saw his effort deflected off Saliba into the net. The goal actually did not indicate the flow of the game, considering how Spurs had struggled to contain Mikel Arteta's relentless side.
Arsenal finally got their equaliser before the break. In the 39th minute, after a well-taken corner by Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães rose to meet the ball and under pressure from the Spurs' defence, forced an own goal by Dominic Solanke. But they did not stop there. Just four minutes later, Trossard raced forward, struck low, and completed the comeback with the go-ahead, sparking wild celebrations throughout the Emirates.
Missed chances and nervous moments late on
Throughout the second half, Arsenal continued with many clear opportunities but unfortunately struggled to materialize them into something tangible. Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard wasted clear-cut chances to double their lead while Spurs countered with random counterattacks that, likewise, couldn't pierce the solid rear guard of Arsenal. Deep into stoppage time, Spurs almost brought things level as Pedro Porro finally shook the woodwork with one of those tight cross shots, but Arsenal held firm and made sure not to give away precious points.
Historic hegemony
The result brings into the limelight the historical dominance of Arsenal in the derby. This victory saw the Gunners complete their fifth Premier League double over Spurs, something their rivals have managed just once-in the league's inaugural 1992/93 season.
While Arsenal looks up to Liverpool at the top of the table, Tottenham faces an urgent need for change as they grapple with an increasingly disappointing campaign. Once again, the North London derby paints the town red, leaving no doubt about who currently rules the rivalry.