Arsenal achieved a difficult victory over Tottenham 2-1 in the vibrant North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
The match started as many expected, with Arsenal asserting their dominance from the first whistle.
Tottenham struggled to adapt to the strength of the host team, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard causing constant problems. But despite Arsenal's early pressure and a series of corner kicks, it was Tottenham who scored the first goal.
In the 25th minute, Heung-Min Son opened the scoring. After Arsenal failed to clear the ball, the Tottenham captain pounced on the loose ball and fired a deflected shot that landed the ball past goalkeeper David Raya.
This is Son's sixth goal in the league this season and reminds us of his excellence in big matches.
But the progress did not last long. Arsenal equalized after just 15 minutes through a sporadic effort after a free kick.
Gabriel rose high to meet Odegaard's corner kick, his header rebounding off Dominic Solanke and into the net for an own goal.
Full time. pic.twitter.com/7aoQM1Kizo
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
The Emirates broke out, and the momentum swung in the Gunners' favour.
Moments later, Arsenal completed the conversion. A quick counter-attack saw Odegaard pass to Trossard on the left flank.
The Belgian raced into the penalty area and fired a powerful low shot past Tottenham's young goalkeeper, Antonin Kinski, into the bottom corner.
The second half saw Spurs make attacking changes, bringing on James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in an attempt to get back into the game.
Despite having more possession as the match progressed, Tottenham struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Their best chance came in stoppage time when Pedro Porro's powerful shot from a tight angle hit the outside of the post in the final seconds.
Arsenal remained dangerous on the counter-attack and forced Kinski to make some fine saves to keep the score respectable.
Mikel Arteta's side managed the final stages expertly, with experienced substitutes Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Merino adding to control.
The final whistle confirmed that Arsenal had obtained three vital points, as it became four points away from Liverpool, leaders of the English Premier League.
For Tottenham, it was another frustrating game at the Emirates Stadium, where Ange Postecoglou's side showed glimpses of promise but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and a lack of edge in the final third.