Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were reignited with a pulsating 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a spirited performance to recover from a difficult period that saw them suffer consecutive defeats to Newcastle United (Carabao Cup) and Manchester United (FA Cup).
The Emirates Stadium was a cauldron of emotion as the Gunners rallied to overcome an early setback, with goals from Leandro Trossard and an own goal by Dominic Solanke proving decisive. However, questions remain about Arsenal’s lack of a clinical striker, which could prove vital in their title push.
High Stakes in the North London Derby
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for Arsenal, coming off two damaging defeats in cup competitions. With Liverpool pulling ahead in the title race, the pressure on Arteta and his men was immense. Anything less than victory over Tottenham would have severely dented Arsenal’s championship aspirations.
Despite dominating early possession, Arsenal fell behind in the 25th minute when Son Heung-min capitalized on a counterattack to give Spurs the lead. This moment served as a wake-up call for Arsenal, who responded with greater urgency.
Turning the Tide: Arsenal’s Spirited Response
The Gunners equalized in the 40th minute, albeit controversially. Dominic Solanke’s own goal stemmed from a corner that should not have been awarded, as replays indicated Leandro Trossard had the final touch before the ball went out of play.
Moments later, Trossard redeemed himself by scoring the winner with a low drive that Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to keep out. While Arsenal’s victory was well-deserved, their inability to convert more chances remains a concern.
Declan Rice, who missed a golden opportunity during the match, admitted the team could have scored more. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said, “We’re probably unlucky we didn’t score 10 tonight,” though statistics painted a different picture with only four of Arsenal’s 14 shots on target.
Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines Bright
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly stole the show with a mature and commanding display. Completing 30 of 32 passes and showcasing composure beyond his years, Lewis-Skelly earned a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd.
Arteta praised the youngster, saying: “He was phenomenal. He has so much trust in himself and managed the occasion brilliantly.” Declan Rice echoed these sentiments, calling Lewis-Skelly’s performance “unbelievable.”
Striker Dilemma Looms Over Arsenal
While the win lifted Arsenal to within four points of Liverpool, who have played a game fewer, it also highlighted their glaring need for a reliable striker. Injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, have left Arsenal without a cutting edge up front.
Arteta acknowledged the urgency of reinforcing the squad before the January transfer window closes, stating, “We are actively looking and will try to do something. Let’s see what we can get.”
The Road Ahead: Building Momentum
This victory must serve as a springboard for Arsenal, with tough fixtures against Aston Villa and other title contenders on the horizon. Arteta emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, “We are on a really consistent run in the Premier League. It’s about recovery and going again.”
Arsenal fans will hope that this hard-fought victory marks the beginning of a sustained title charge. However, much depends on the club’s ability to address their striker dilemma and maintain their momentum.
