Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today September 15, taking all three points in a fiercely contested encounter.
A powerful header from defender Gabriel in the 64th minute sealed the win, giving the Gunners the bragging rights in the heated rivalry.
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The first half was an intense affair, with the referee issuing seven yellow cards as both sides committed numerous fouls. Tensions flared when Arsenal’s Jurien Timber and Spurs’ Pedro Porro clashed, leading to a heated exchange involving several players.
Tottenham’s new signing, Dominic Solanke, missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead in his derby debut, a costly miss as the match progressed. In the second half, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, a 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee, delivered a pinpoint cross from a corner, finding Gabriel unmarked in the box. The defender’s clinical header proved decisive.
Despite a late surge from Tottenham during five minutes of stoppage time, Arsenal’s defense, led by Saliba and Gabriel, stood firm to maintain their lead. The defeat leaves Spurs in the bottom half of the table after four games, while Mikel Arteta’s side climbs to second, just two points behind league leaders Manchester City.