Arsenal 2 Tottenham 0 analysis: Arsene Wenger responds to ‘power shift’ claims by beating Spurs at their own game

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James Olley18 November 2017

Arsenal claimed the bragging rights of north London with a convincing 2-0 victory over rivals Tottenham at the Emirates.

First half goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez secured the points for Arsene Wenger’s side, as Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first Premier League defeat in the derby.

Standard Sport’s James Olley was in attendance at the Emirates, and here is his analysis of the north London derby.

Arsenal respond to balance of power claims

The narrative leading up to this derby was that a more progressive, dynamic Tottenham were now the top dogs in north London. Last season saw Spurs finish above their neighbours for the first time in 22 years and their Champions League exploits – not to mention a new stadium fast approaching – created a sense they are finally emerging from the Gunners’ shadow.

This win is only three points – and was not enough for Arsenal to climb above Tottenham in the table – but it gives the Gunners something to build on as they look to reclaim local bragging rights.

Wenger receives a useful shot in the arm

​Arsene Wenger is increasingly painted as yesterday’s man – especially in contrast to Mauricio Pochettino – but he received a useful shot in the arm here with his players responding to his calls to seize the moment against their fiercest rivals.

Wenger was, however, reminded of how criticism is never far away – at 2-0 up, his decision to withdraw Lacazette for Francis Coquelin was greeted by boos from home supporters irritated by the sporadic use of their £52.7million club record signing. Yet this was mostly a joyous day for the vast majority inside Emirates Stadium and although this was Arsenal’s 11th successive home League victory, few will give Wenger more satisfaction as he seeks to justify the two-year contract extension signed in the summer.

Arsenal beat Tottenham at their own game

Pochettino’s Tottenham are defined in many ways by a ferocious pressing style which forces opponents into defensive mistakes but here it was Arsenal who adopted that approach to far greater effect. Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil started together for only the third time and they led from the front, harrying Spurs into errors and causing them no end of problems in possession.

Speculation persists that Sanchez or Ozil – or both – could leave in January but Wenger could be minded to make the pair honour the final six months of their contract on this evidence. The Gunners have not played better all season long.

Pochettino comes unstuck in a big away game again

Tottenham’s draw at Real Madrid was a major stepping stone in their self-belief – evidenced by Spurs’ subsequent victory in the reverse fixture at Wembley – but this was another occasion which underlined there is still work to do on the road. Pochettino has won just one of 17 matches against the top six away from home since taking charge in 2014.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Tottenham’s only victory here in the Premier League came in November 2010 and for all the undeniable progress Spurs have made under the Argentine, they must win more matches against the best in the division to take that final step towards the title.

Contract rebels overshadow Tottenham’s settled stars

Sanchez and Ozil have had their commitment questioned in recent months as they continue to refuse new deals at Arsenal but they completely overshadowed Tottenham’s more settled stars here. Spurs have rightly earned praise for tying their key players to long contracts but Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen were simply unable to impose themselves on an Arsenal side many expected them to beat before kick-off.

Photo: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Alli, in particular, was anonymous for long spells and failed to link up midfield and attack, leaving Kane isolated and feeding off scraps. Fatigue was no doubt a factor given the pair missed England duty through injury but the sight of Alli and Kane being taken off to jeers with 16 minutes to go and Spurs chasing the game was an unusually humbling one given their recent individual success.

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