North London Derby: Arsenal Defeat Spurs For First League Win Since 2014

Arsenal went back to winning ways as they defeated, Tottenham 2-0 in the first North London derby of the season on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners scored two first half goals in the space of six minutes to defeat their rivals for the first time in seven Premier League meetings

Shkodran Mustafi scored his first goal of the season for Arsenal as he headed home a Mesut Ozil cross from a free-kick in the 36th minute after Davinson Sanchez fouled namesake Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners doubled their advantage five minutes later, as Sanchez smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle after being teed up by Alexandre Lacazette.

The visitor’s best opportunity fell to midfielder Christian Eriksen in the first half, but the Dane’s low shot struck the post.

The two-goal lead at half-time was exactly what Arsenal deserved. They executed the plan that Wenger had wanted them to against Manchester City. But rather doing so in fleeting moments, they did so consistently and collectively.

The second half was not quite so open and exciting. The game broke down a little. Arsenal, who still looked sharp at times, perhaps began to flounder, playing in an extremely high-energy, high-intensity manner.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech had to make full-stretch to keep out Eric Dier’s header.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli looked like they lacked full-match sharpness, after the duo missed England’s two friendlies during the international break.

Arsenal were able to create chances on the break, with Mesut Ozil being the main provider, but Arsene Wenger’s side were unable to add to their advantage.

Francis Coquelin and Alex Iwobi were introduced to provide a little steel and stability in a midfield that was beginning to labour, and Wenger was more than happy for his team to see out the victory.