- Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Tottenham
- Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the goals at the Emirates Stadium
- There was controversy over both goals but Arsenal fans are relishing the karma
- WATCH: Mustafi goal gives Arsenal 1-0 lead vs Tottenham, but Spurs fans have two justified complaints
Arsenal got back to winning ways as the Premier League returned after the international break, earning a well-deserved 2-0 win over Tottenham in the North London Derby.
Goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez settled the contest in the first half, with Spurs far from at their best even if there was a slice of good fortune for Arsenal on both their goals.
Man of the match
There are a few contenders, but Mustafi really put in one of his finest performances in an Arsenal shirt and may have just edged it over Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Not only did the Germany international score a superb header to open the scoring, but he timed a perfect challenge on Harry Kane as he bore down on goal at a point in the second half when Tottenham could really have got themselves back in it.
Ozil may have left the pitch to a standing ovation, but defenders don’t get enough credit and this was a hugely impressive display from Mustafi against a star-studded Spurs attack.
Flop of the match
With wayward shooting and a total lack of influence when Tottenham needed him most, it may just be Christian Eriksen on this occasion.
Having shone for Denmark with a hat-trick in his last game against the Republic of Ireland, many were expecting him to come here and out-shine Ozil at the Emirates, but it wasn’t to be.
Kane and Dele Alli may have been the ones dragged off by manager Mauricio Pochettino, but Eriksen should have been pulling the strings against a weak Arsenal defence and midfield, but was largely invisible.
Stat of the match
This speaks volumes…a disappointing game for Kane, but only because of the incredibly high standards he’s set himself…
Harry Kane has failed to score in a Premier League game against Arsenal for the first time
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) November 18, 2017
Player ratings
Arsenal: Cech 7, Koscielny 7, Mustafi 8, Monreal 7, Bellerin 6, Kolasinac 7, Xhaka 6, Ramsey 7, Ozil 8, Sanchez 8, Lacazette 8 / Subs: Coquelin 6, Iwobi
Tottenham: Lloris 6, Sanchez 6, Dier 5, Vertonghen 6, Trippier 6, Davies 6, Dembele 6, Sissoko 7, Eriksen 5, Alli 6, Kane 6 / Subs: Winks 6, Llorente 6, Son 6
Reaction
Normally a huge admirer of Tottenham, Sky Sports pundit couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing from them today…
“Tottenham are being bullied” – Gary Neville.
HT: ? Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham ?? #ARSTOT #COYG #COYS pic.twitter.com/rUG0OX0hTk
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) November 18, 2017
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were relishing beating Spurs with two questionable offside calls after being undone themselves by a dodgy linesman at Man City last time out…
Lacazette drawn offside vs stoke when clearly on, Man City 3rd goal offside but when Arsenal score from a mini tiny advantage, everyone goes on bout it, karma bitches. #NorthLondonDerby #ARSTOT
— ?EthanF? (@6Etha) November 18, 2017
Last gameweek, Arsenal was lamenting over a clear offside decision which led to their defeat. !! Today, Arsenal lead by 2 at halftime thanks to 2 offside goals. #Karma
— Sala_Man_Cou (@iykcony) November 18, 2017
Karma. Off side goals #arsenal ?
— Akil Granderson (@AkilGranderson) November 18, 2017
The knives were also out for Mauricio Pochettino after yet another defeat in an away game against a top six side…
This hipster getting dished out L’s by Mourinho and Wenger I LOVEEEEEEEE THIS GAME pic.twitter.com/EnmOmUj8cY
— José (@MourinhoMindset) November 18, 2017
Pochettino is a fraud and overrated. He doesn’t beat the big teams! Lost to Man United and now getting torn apart by Arsenal.
— #TeamLH44 (@Nadal_LH_Fan) November 18, 2017
Hmmm pochettino getting found out away at a top six club again
— azog defiler (@_azogdefiler) November 18, 2017