In a match that was expected to be a turning point for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal once again showed why they remain the dominant force in the North London Derby. A scrappy yet calculated 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, courtesy of a towering header from Gabriel Magalhães, highlighted the gulf in performance between the two sides. For Tottenham and their coach Ange Postecoglou, this was a familiar tale of missed opportunities and costly mistakes, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal displayed resilience, discipline, and a mastery of set-pieces to take all three points.
Spurs’ Hopes Derailed by Poor Decisions
Spurs started the day with optimism. Arsenal’s team sheet arrived with the absence of captain Martin Odegaard and midfield maestro Declan Rice, presenting Tottenham with a seemingly golden opportunity to take control. However, despite the promising start, Postecoglou’s men faded as the game progressed, making crucial errors at both ends of the pitch.
It wasn’t just Arsenal’s defense that kept Spurs at bay—it was Tottenham’s inability to capitalize on their chances. Crosses were overhit, shots were wasted, and as Arsenal absorbed the pressure, the familiar cracks in Tottenham’s play began to show. The final moments of the match summed up Spurs’ frustrations, with match programmes hurled onto the pitch and a chorus of boos filling the stadium. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that had only won once in their last four league games.
Arsenal’s Tactical Masterclass
Arsenal, on the other hand, showed once again why they have been so dominant in these North London derbies, securing their third consecutive away win at Spurs. Even without key players, they found a way to grind out a result. The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when Gabriel headed in Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging corner, continuing Arsenal’s dominance from set-pieces—a skill they’ve honed under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Gabriel’s goal might not have been the most aesthetically pleasing, but it was the result of meticulous planning. Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities from set-pieces were on full display, as Gabriel capitalized on poor marking from Cristian Romero. This is not a new problem for Tottenham; they have conceded 18 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season, the most of any Premier League team excluding penalties.
Despite this glaring weakness, Spurs have yet to employ a specialist set-piece coach, something that is clearly costing them. In contrast, Arsenal have scored 43 goals from corners since Jover’s appointment, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues. This strategic advantage was the difference once again, as Arsenal punished Spurs for their lack of preparation.
Postecoglou’s Tactical Missteps
For Postecoglou, this loss will sting more than most. After a promising start to his reign at Spurs, the team now sits in 13th place with just one win from four games. Tottenham’s recent form, stretching back to last season, has seen them lose seven of their past 11 league games. The promise of a new style of play under Postecoglou has yet to materialize into consistent results.
Postecoglou’s refusal to address the set-piece issue is puzzling, especially considering the defensive frailties that have been exposed time and again. His decision not to employ a specialist set-piece coach contrasts starkly with Arteta’s meticulous approach at Arsenal. If Tottenham are to improve, this is an area that can no longer be ignored.
Player Performances: Gabriel and Raya Shine
While Tottenham struggled to find their rhythm, Arsenal’s key players stepped up. Gabriel’s goal was a testament to his aerial prowess and defensive abilities, but he wasn’t the only standout performer. Goalkeeper David Raya, wearing Arsenal’s unfamiliar black kit, made crucial saves and exuded calmness between the posts, ensuring Spurs never found a way back into the game.
Tottenham, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful chances. James Maddison, their big summer signing, looked like a shadow of the player who had been so influential earlier in the season. Dominic Solanke, on his home debut, missed several key chances, including a header that went straight into Raya’s hands.
The absence of ideas was clear as Spurs ran out of steam before the final whistle. Arsenal, by contrast, looked composed and confident, with Raphinha embodying the hard work and energy that Arteta demands from his players. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Raphinha’s relentless pressing and defensive work were crucial in keeping Spurs at bay.
FAQs
Arsenal won 1-0 with a crucial header from Gabriel Magalhães in the 64th minute.
The decisive moment came when Gabriel headed in a Bukayo Saka corner, exposing Tottenham’s defensive frailties from set-pieces.
Tottenham has conceded 18 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season, and despite this, coach Ange Postecoglou has yet to employ a specialist set-piece coach.
Despite missing key players, Arsenal showed resilience and tactical discipline, securing the win through a well-drilled defensive performance and their proficiency in set-pieces.
Tottenham need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find consistency if they are to compete at the top of the Premier League table.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham highlighted the difference in preparation and execution between the two sides. While Arsenal continues to thrive under Mikel Arteta’s detailed approach, Tottenham’s recurring set-piece problems and lack of ideas in attack are holding them back. If Postecoglou wants to reverse Tottenham’s fortunes, addressing these issues will be critical. Arsenal, meanwhile, march on, sitting just two points behind the Premier League leaders and proving once again that they remain the dominant force in North London.
