Arsenal FC narrowly won the 195th North London derby. In an eventful match, Kai Havertz once again emerged as one of the match winners
When Kai Havertz headed Arsenal 3-0 up in the 38th minute, the game was already decided – and it was hard for those watching at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to understand why. The home side put up a good fight in a North London derby that was intense from the outset, were on a par with the title contenders from their neighbors in the early stages and even scored the first goal – albeit into the wrong net: Höjbjerg headed a sharp Saka corner into his own goal in an unfortunate duel with Tomiyasu (15th minute).
Things got even worse for Tottenham after that: within four minutes, Spurs had three excellent chances from corners, but were unable to score a deserved equalizer. Romero headed narrowly wide (19th) and then hit the post from close range (21st). And when his center-back partner van de Ven headed the ball over the line shortly afterwards after a corner had initially been cleared, the VAR intervened and took the goal back due to a very slight offside (23′).
Authorization and goal: Havertz’s run continues
While Arsenal’s early lead hardly gave them any security, Spurs continued to attack – only to suffer the next low blow. After first Kulusevski and then Maddison fell in the Arsenal penalty area, Tottenham claimed two penalties, but only conceded one when Havertz played a wonderful diagonal ball across half the pitch to Saka on the ensuing counter-attack. The winger beat Davies on his way into the middle and finished confidently into the left corner (27′).
The two German players on the pitch experienced a fundamentally different first half, and not just because of this: While Spurs attacker Werner had to be substituted after half an hour due to injury (31), Havertz followed up his great assist with a goal of his own: After an outstanding Rice corner, the international broke through in the five-meter area and headed in his twelfth goal of the season from close range (38′). Arsenal had scored three goals from four shots on goal in the first half, while none of Spurs’ eight attempts had led to a goal. Symptomatic: Even Son missed from the best position (45′)
Tottenham come back – Arsenal save themselves for the finish
After the break, Arsenal were no longer quite as efficient as they had been in the first half: Tomiyasu’s diving header flew over (48′) and Vicario made an outstanding save from Saka to prevent a 4-0 scoreline (53′). The home side’s most dangerous player continued to be a central defender: Romero missed another headed chance (51′) before finally making the most of his fourth great opportunity of the day – albeit aided and abetted by a bad pass from Raya, who chipped the ball unchallenged onto the Argentine’s chest (64′).
Tottenham continued to attack, but were barely able to force the issue – until the next penalty was awarded in the Arsenal penalty area. This time, after viewing the video footage, referee Oliver had no choice but to point to the spot: Rice had clearly hit Davies – Son converted the spot-kick safely to make it 2:3 (87′). Arsenal were made to tremble once more and had to survive a number of passes into their own penalty area, but managed to hold on for a narrow victory
Arsenal thus retain top spot, but must continue to hope for a slip-up from ManCity, who have fewer games in hand. The next test awaits the Gunners next Saturday (1.30pm) against Bournemouth. For Tottenham, the next London derby is at Chelsea FC on Thursday (8.30pm).