The 2022/23 season has already been one to remember for Gunners fans across the world. With only 18 games played in the Premier League Arsenal have managed some truly memorable performances and wins as they top the premier league table by 8 points at the time of writing. But yesterday’s victory may be the pick of the bunch yet.
Before the game, Arsenal had failed to take three points with them back from Tottenham since Tomas Rosicky’s goal helped Arsene Wenger’s side to a 0-1 win in 2014, a game in which current manager Mikel Arteta led his teammates out as captain.
In the nine years since, there has been draws and defeats alike, however the 3-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last May would’ve been the one to hurt Arsenal fans the most, as it meant Spurs clinched Champions League Football ahead of Arsenal by a single point. However, Mikel Arteta’s side were clearly out for revenge against the old enemy and showed their intent on doing so early on, when striker Eddie Nketiah fired a good chance straight at Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the opening minutes following good pressure from the Arsenal forward-line. Arsenal’s fine start was rewarded with an opener 15 mins into the game when Lloris unforgivably fumbled a Bukayo Saka cross into the back of his goal. And things went from bad to worse for Conte and Spurs as Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard continued his fine form as he doubled his side’s lead with a fabulous strike from distance which flew into the bottom corner to cap off a flawless half of football from the Gunners.
Tottenham had to try and respond and they predictably came out of the blocks quickly, with Kane and Sessengon testing Aaron Ramsdale who responded by making two top saves to go along with the two big saves he made in the first half, including a crucial one to deny Kane’s header seconds before the half-time whistle. Spurs tried to find a way through but Arsenal held firm and eventually saw out the game to claim a famous win to put them 8 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
There was some trouble which took place at the full-time whistle as a Spurs fan tried to attack Aaron Ramsdale however the Arsenal keeper and the rest of his teammates failed to let that incident sour the mood as they celebrated wildly with their fans as the Tottenham supporters looked for the nearest possible exits.
The big games continue for Arsenal as they host high flying Manchester United at Emirates Stadium as they look to continue this amazing form.
Player ratings:
Ramsdale: 10 – brilliant between the sticks matching everything Spurs threw at him
White: 8 – kept Son quiet all game, didn’t give the Korean anything
Saliba: 8 – Solid as ever. Calm and composed in possession
Gabriel: 9 – Dominant. Barely gave Kane a kick
Zinchenko 9 – Was everywhere and displayed unprecedented composure in possession
Partey 8 – Few sloppy moments but controlled the play and won the ball back well. Involved heavily in both goals and almost scored the goal of the season in the first half
Xhaka 8 – Like Zinchenko, was everywhere and barely put a foot wrong. Quietly excellent
Odegaard 9 – Man of the moment. Brilliant on and off the ball and scored a great goal. Arguably the best player in the league right now
Saka 8 – Sessengon will be having nightmares about Saka for weeks. Tormented the Spurs wing-back
Martinelli 7 – Quiet at times as Docherty did well to nullify the Brazilian. Still effective and worked extremely hard
Nketiah 8 – Should’ve scored but worked so, so hard pressing the Spurs backline and even helped out defensively when needed. Lead the line brilliantly and held it up well