In a scintillating North London derby, Arsenal reignited their Premier League title bid with a thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s men showed resilience and quality to overcome an early deficit and secure a pivotal win that keeps them in touch with league leaders Liverpool.
Trossard Turns the Tide
The match turned on its head just before halftime courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s moment of magic. The January signing collected a pass from Martin Ødegaard before rifling a low drive that squirmed through goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky’s grasp to put Arsenal 2-1 ahead. It was a body blow for Spurs and one they never recovered from.
We knew we had to win, simple as that. The early goal was a setback but we didn’t panic, we stuck to the game plan and turned it around. Leandro’s goal was massive, it gave us belief and momentum going into the break.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey
Arsenal Assert Authority
The Gunners started the match with intensity and purpose, pinning Tottenham back and carving out chances. They looked certain to take the lead until a sucker punch from the visitors against the run of play. Son Heung-min, enduring a difficult personal campaign, swept home via a deflection to stun the Emirates crowd and give Spurs an unlikely lead.
Rather than crumble, Arsenal rose to the challenge. Wave after wave of attack eventually yielded an equalizer, with the unfortunate Dominic Solanke credited with an own goal after a wicked Declan Rice corner delivery caused chaos in the Spurs box. Trossard’s strike then completed a crucial turnaround before the interval.
Tottenham’s Top Four Worries
For Tottenham, this defeat extends a miserable run of form that has yielded just three wins from nine league outings. Ange Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines as his injury-hit squad failed to muster a meaningful response after going behind. With a top four finish the minimum expectation, serious questions will be asked of Spurs’ direction and recruitment.
Of course I’m disappointed, we got ourselves in front but couldn’t build on it. We’re stretched at the moment, that’s clear, but there can be no excuses. We need to find consistency and fast if we want to meet the club’s ambitions this season.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou
Title Tussle Twist
Arsenal’s win, coupled with Liverpool dropping points at Nottingham Forest, means the gap at the summit is reduced to four points. With a game in hand, the Gunners have the chance to really apply pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s pacesetters. Bouncing back from domestic cup disappointment in emphatic style here will give them renewed belief that they can last the course in the title race.
Next up for Arteta’s young guns is a tricky trip to resurgent West Ham, while Spurs will attempt to regroup ahead of hosting bogey team Liverpool. The Gunners have proven they have the minerals to compete at the top. Now, the challenge is to prove this pivotal victory was the rule and not the exception.
