ᑕ❶ᑐ Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal: Gunners fans wish for Premier League title after stunning win

Arsenal fans still celebrate their glory years at Tottenham in 1971 and in 2004 in hostile territory under Arsene Wenger.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are still a long way from the champions and this victory came in a different arena than the old White Hart Lane, but even if they don’t believe they can win the title again after this latest victory, they never will.

An altercation between Spurs substitute Richarlison and then-Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was briefly overlooked at the end of that triumph. shot by a local supporter.

As the temperatures cooled, Arteta led his players, including Ramsdale, off the pitch to run the length of the pitch to celebrate with ecstatic Arsenal fans in the far corner of the stadium.

Control of the title race. The North London derby was doubled in style. Confidence and self-belief run through Arsenal. They have been the best team in the Premier League in these opening 18 games and fully deserve to be in such a strong position.

If Arsenal had produced anything more impressive than the first 45 minutes here this season, it would have been as they completely outplayed Spurs for their first derby win at the Emirates Stadium since March 2014.

Arsenal came to Spurs knowing that a win would not only end this endless streak but also give them a huge advantage over Manchester City. It would bring both excitement and pressure.

However, if Arsenal’s players felt any pressure, they did so lightly in a superb first half, with Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ own goal and Martin Odegaard’s low strike less than the advantage they deserved as they took a 2-0 lead.

Arsenal have consistently passed these tests this season and will face resurgent Manchester United at home next Sunday. They passed this test at the expense of their old enemy. Arsenal were working on their new legs, while Spurs seemed to be running relentlessly.

There’s still more than half of the Premier League season to go and a lot can happen – but not defending champions City themselves, Liverpool’s nightmare, Chelsea in chaotic transition and Manchester United in a rebuilding Arsenal to beat. has a great chance. their first Premier League. “Les Invincibles” title since the 2003-04 season.

Sometimes the cards fall and an opportunity presents itself. It feels like Arsenal’s big opportunity with each passing week.

There is still work to be done, some of it in the transfer market this month.

Arsenal were disappointed to miss out on Shakhtar Donetsk striker Mykhailo Mudryk, who made a sudden switch to Chelsea from London, and while Eddie Nketiah has increased his influence, long-term attacking reinforcements are needed with Gabriel Jesus.

And such is Thomas Partey’s growing influence in midfield that Arteta will be desperate to ensure none of his previous injury problems recur.

Here, however, Arsenal followed the whole line-up, from the intensity, speed, passing and threat of the first half to the steel of the second half, when their composure was tested by Spurs with a brand improvement.

Under the mounting pressure, Ramsdale was exceptional as every Arsenal defender stood up to be counted, the old arguments seemed too tired to strain the team’s hearts and stomachs for the fight.

It was a stark contrast to that 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in May, which was crucial for Spurs to place in the Champions League on the final day of the season.

Odegaard was the perfect midfield orchestrator and leader, while Gabriel Martinelli bravely showed how much he enjoys playing in this Arsenal side, directing a back pass in the second half.

Bukayo Saka set Spurs apart in the first half, his pass setting up Lloris’ fateful miss for the opening goal.

Arsenal’s celebrations at the final whistle reflected the importance of this win, not just because it was a North London derby, but in the wider context of the title.

It was a perfect weekend for Arteta and his players and the title race is now firmly in their hands.