Razeen Gutta
The hosts came out on top in yet another North London derby as Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at the Emirates in the opening game of the Premier League weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the opening exchanges of both halves, with the Gunners hitting the post and coming close early on before Thomas Partey got the opener inside 20 minutes. The 29-year-old found the top corner of the net with a curling strike off a Ben White pass.
It was Spurs that found form in the latter parts of the first period, as Heung Min Son and Harry Kane combined with Richarlison to create some magic in the final third. It was the Brazilian that won a penalty; and the England captain did not disappoint from the spot.
Kane made history with his goal, becoming the only man to score 100 Premier League away goals and beating Thierry Henry to become the outright top scorer in London derbies with 44.
Arsenal bounced back after the opening whistle of the second half, though, with Gabriel Jesus capitalising on a Hugo Lloris error to give his side the lead once again.
At the hour mark things got even more difficult for Antonio Conte’s side when Emerson Royal was shown a direct red card for a dangerous tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.
Five minutes later the game was out of Spurs’ reach when Martinelli showed up again, this time playing in Granit Xhaka for the third.
Arsenal saw out the final moments almost effortlessly to claim a derby day win that will see them go four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Image source: @Goal
