Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tottenham in a pulsating north London derby at the Emirates.
The match started as many expected, with Arsenal asserting their dominance from the first whistle.
Spurs struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard creating constant problems. But despite early pressure from Arsenal and a series of corners, it was Tottenham who struck first.
Heung-Min Son interrupted in the 25th minute. After Arsenal failed to clear the ball, the Spurs captain pounced on the loose ball and sent a deflected shot that was headed wrong by goalkeeper David Raya.
It was Son’s sixth league goal of the season and a reminder of his clinical edge in big games.
However, the lead was short-lived. Arsenal equalized just 15 minutes later with a failed penalty kick.
Gabriel rose highest to meet Odegaard’s corner, and his header ricocheted off Dominic Solanke into the box for an own goal.
Full time. pic.twitter.com/7aoQM1Kizo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
Emirates erupted, and the momentum turned in favor of Topnik.
A few moments later, Arsenal reached the turning point. In a quick counter-attack, Odegaard released Trossard with a perfectly timed pass down the left flank.
The Belgian burst into the box and sent a low, powerful shot that flew past young Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and into the bottom corner.
In the second half, Tottenham made changes in attack, bringing on James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in an attempt to get back into the game.
Despite enjoying more possession as the game wore on, Spurs struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Their best chance came in injury time when Pedro Porro’s thunderous shot from a tight angle hit the outside of the post in the dying seconds.
Arsenal remained dangerous on the counter and forced Kinsky into some impressive saves to keep the score respectable.
Mikel Arteta’s side handled the closing stages expertly, with experienced substitutes Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Merino adding control.
The final whistle confirmed the vital three points for the Gunners, who are closing in on Premier League leaders Liverpool by four points.
For Spurs, it was another frustrating outing at the Emirates, Ange Postecoglou’s side showed some promise but were ultimately undone by defensive errors and a lack of edge in the final third.
