Gunners Shoot down Sloppy Spurs

worldofsport (60)in #football • 7 years ago

World of Sport Reporter: @jhumes

World of SPort Editor: @worldofsport

Arsene Wenger’s Gunners produced an excellent display to overpower a disappointing Tottenham side at the Emirates Stadium. Much of the pre-match attention had focused on the seeming shift in power, as Spurs looked to secure their position as top dogs in the area. Having finished above Arsenal in the league last season, and going six games undefeated against their bitter rivals, many observers expected Mauricio Pochettino’s side to triumph in the first derby of the season.

However, they were undone by two first half goals from Shkrodan Mustafi (36) and Alexis Sanchez (41) as the Gunners capitalised on some lacklustre displays from Tottenham’s big name players. Spurs seemed content to play on the counter attack, and it was Arsenal who showed more positive intent.

Mustafi broke the deadlock from Ozil's free kick

They took the lead after 36 minutes in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Davinson Sanchez was unlucky to concede a free-kick out wide on the Arsenal left, as he seemed to get a touch on the ball before making contact with Alexis Sanchez. From the set piece, Ozil’s delivery was met by the head of Mustafi, who looped his header into the far corner of the net with Lloris stranded. Spurs’ sense of injustice was heightened even further, as replays suggested that the Arsenal man was marginally offside when the free kick was delivered.

Sanchez doubled the lead from close range

The Gunners doubled their lead just five minutes later, with replays again suggesting that the linesman made the wrong call. Lacazette, who appeared to be fractionally offside, ran on to Ozil’s excellent through ball and raced to the by-line. His cut back seemed to take Sanchez almost by surprise, but he recovered from his heavy first touch to smash the ball into the roof of the net from only a couple of yards out. on for a crucial victory.

Arsenal players celebrate at the full time whistle

Spurs attempted to make a comeback, but rarely seriously threatened Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal. Christian Eriksen clipped the outside of the post with their best effort, but Arsenal, often criticised for being too soft, defended strongly and with no small amount of aggression. Harry Kane, who passed a late fitness test to take his place in the team, played with his right thigh heavily strapped and looked well short of match fitness. He wasn’t the only Tottenham player to underperform, however, with Dele Alli in particular turning in another frustrating performance

Harry Kane was jeered all afternoon by the Arsenal faithful

Their lack of impact on the game was summed up 15 minutes from the end, with manager Mauricio Pochettino opting to bring off both of his star players. Desperate for a way back into the game, it was a decision met with jeers from the home fans. Their replacements, Llorente and Son Heung-Min, combined to create a chance that the Korean fired high and wide, but were unable to inspire the away side into mounting a comeback. The Gunners held on comfortably for the rest of the game, and had opportunities to add to their tally on the counterattack, as Spurs poured forward in search of a way back into the game. The result means that Arsenal are now only a single point behind their North London rivals.