Arsenal claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham in a pulsating North London derby at the Emirates.
The game began as many expected, with Arsenal asserting their dominance from the opening whistle.
Spurs struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard causing constant problems. But despite Arsenal’s early pressure and a flurry of corners, it was Tottenham who struck first.
In the 25th minute, Heung-Min Son broke the deadlock. After a failed clearance from Arsenal, the Spurs captain pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a deflected strike that wrong-footed goalkeeper David Raya.
It was Son’s sixth league goal of the season and a reminder of his clinical edge in big games.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Arsenal equalised just 15 minutes later through a scrappy effort following a set piece.
Gabriel rose highest to meet Odegaard’s corner, and his header ricocheted off Dominic Solanke and into the back of the net for an own goal.
Full-time. pic.twitter.com/7aoQM1Kizo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
The Emirates erupted, and the momentum swung in the Gunners’ favour.
Moments later, Arsenal completed the turnaround. A swift counterattack saw Odegaard pick out Trossard with a perfectly weighted pass down the left flank.
The Belgian surged into the box and unleashed a low, powerful strike that flew past Spurs’ young goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, into the bottom corner.
The second half saw Tottenham make attacking changes, introducing James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in an attempt to claw their way back into the game.
Despite enjoying more possession as the game progressed, Spurs struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Their best opportunity came in stoppage time when Pedro Porro’s thunderous effort from a tight angle struck the outside of the post in the dying seconds.
Arsenal remained dangerous on the counter and forced Kinsky into a couple of impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Mikel Arteta’s side managed the closing stages expertly, with experienced substitutes Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Merino adding control.
The final whistle confirmed a vital three points for the Gunners, who move within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
For Spurs, it was another frustrating outing at the Emirates, Ange Postecoglou’s side showed glimpses of promise but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.