We will definitely have to rely on Arsenal this season. Winners of Tottenham this Saturday in the North London derby (3-1), the Gunners have once again displayed an attractive face. They are now guaranteed to stay ahead at the end of this 9th day of the Premier League.
The first period offers a very clear opposition of styles between the dominating Gunners and masters of possession and the grouped Spurs who evolve against. Arsenal offer themselves the best situations like this post found by Martinelli from the 4th minute of play. The Gunners concretize after 20 minutes of play thanks to a perfect curling shot from Thomas Partey towards the skylight (1-0). Unstoppable for Hugo Lloris.
Arteta’s men have control over the meeting but Tottenham know how to be dangerous on their rare incursions. From the 13th minute, Aaron Ramsdale had to work to deflect a ball deflected by Richarlison. After a little over half an hour of play, the Spurs iron a header in the opposing box and get a penalty for a foul by Gabriel. Harry Kane carries out the sentence and the two teams join the locker room back to back (1-1).
Lloris back but involved in the second goal
On the lawn of the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners hold on to their place of leader and pass the second from the 49th. At the time, the Spurs defense is not beyond reproach. The tricolor goalkeeper, package for the last two games of the Blues in the League of Nations, made his return this Saturday but his responsibility is clearly engaged on this second goal. The goalkeeper makes a first reflex parry but the ball is pushed back full axis on Romero who clumsily tries to put it back in first intention. Lloris seems to capture the ball which passes under his stomach but it is indeed Gabriel Jesus who seizes it and gives the advantage to his team (2-1).
The task becomes even more complicated for the visitors after this very ugly sole from Emerson Royal on Martinelli which earned him a well-deserved red card (62nd). Five minutes later, Arsenal widened the gap on a fine cross shot from Granit Xhaka (3-1). This time, Lloris can’t help it. The Gunners hold on to victory and take a four-point lead over Manchester City and Tottenham at the top of the Premier League. Spurs concede their first loss of the season, in a still highly anticipated London derby.