Arsenal inject life into stalled season with vital derby win but transfer need remains
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Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points by beating Tottenham in the north London derby. Spurs took the lead at the Emirates Stadium after their captain Heung-min Son’s deflected opener inside 25 minutes. The Gunners had been on top before then, though, and they were deservedly ahead before half-time.
Dominic Solanke’s own goal got them back on level terms and then Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal in front. The victory means Arsenal are now just four points off league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Simon Collings was at the Emirates Stadium to pick out the main talking points for the Gunners.
This was a performance that Arsenal fans have seen a few times recently, but thankfully for them this time they were on the right side of the result. The Gunners created enough chances to win this game far more comfortably and the need for attacking reinforcements this month remains clear.
Kai Havertz missed a huge chance from a corner early in the second half and Martin Odegaard somehow dragged a shot wide late on. There were other opportunities as well and last week’s defeats by Manchester United and Newcastle showed how Arsenal can be punished if they are not more clinical.
This derby, however, was all about the result for Arsenal. After a difficult week where it felt like the mood was turning at the Emirates, they needed a win to inject life into their season. Not for the first time, it was a set-piece that got them back on level terms after Son’s deflected opener.
