5 things we learned from the North London Derby

The highly anticipated North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham yesterday had fans eager for another serious contest. However, the match delivered a mixed bag of performances, with some players not living to expectation and others rising to the occasion. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key talking points from the game the North London Derby.

Arsenal missed Ødegaard

Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, was sorely missed in this clash. His absence left a significant gap in the team’s creativity. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of games, Ødegaard’s influence was clearly lacking, as Arsenal struggled to control the midfield and unlock Tottenham’s defense. Without him, the Gunners lacked the cutting edge in the final third, forcing them to rely on other options, which didn’t pay off.

Son is Tottenham’s Player of the Match

In stark contrast, Son Heung-min delivered an impressive display for Tottenham. The South Korean winger was Tottenham’s most dangerous player, consistently causing problems for Arsenal’s defense. His intelligent movement, blistering pace, and sharp decision-making were on full display, making him a constant threat on the counter-attack. Son’s performance ensured that Tottenham stayed in the game, as he linked up well with his teammates and created opportunities, though he was ultimately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Timber yet to Convince

Jurrien Timber, a summer signing for Arsenal, has yet to fully convince in his defensive duties. His performance against Spurs was inconsistent, with moments of uncertainty at the back. While Timber is known for his versatility and composure on the ball, his defensive positioning and decision-making were questionable at times. He will need to find more consistency if he is to cement his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.

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Solanke Struggled

Dominic Solanke, tasked with leading the line for Tottenham, appeared lost in the match. It was unclear what role he was expected to play, as he struggled to find space or link up with his teammates. Solanke’s movement and decision-making were off, and he was largely ineffective in front of goal. Whether it was a tactical miscommunication or simply an off day, Tottenham’s Coach Postecoglou will need to address his role if they are to get the best out of him.

Martinelli had a day Off

Gabriel Martinelli, usually one of Arsenal’s brightest sparks, had a poor outing. His pace and energy are typically his greatest assets, but against Tottenham, he was far from his best. Martinelli struggled with his decision-making, often choosing the wrong options in key moments. It’s a performance that may lead to questions about his form and role in the team moving forward. However, given his talent, it’s likely just a dip, but it’s one that Arsenal cannot afford to have in key fixtures like this.

Gabriel is Arsenal’s Defensive Rock

Amidst the patchy performances, Gabriel Magalhães was a shining light for Arsenal. The Brazilian defender was outstanding, once again proving why he’s considered one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Aside from the goal which gave the Red side of North London the needed win, His reading of the game, aerial dominance, and leadership at the back were crucial in keeping Tottenham’s attack away from goal. Gabriel’s partnership with William Saliba continues to grow, and he remains a pillar of strength in the Arsenal defence.

Arsenal is King of Dead Balls

One area where Arsenal has consistently excelled throughout the game is in set-piece situations. Once again, they demonstrated their dominance, using set pieces to create goal scoring opportunities and maintain pressure on Tottenham’s defence. 

Under Arteta, Arsenal has become one of the most dangerous teams in the league from dead-ball situations, and this game was no exception. Their set-piece routines are well-drilled and often decisive in tight matches like this one.

Overall, it was an interesting game day at the Tottenham stadium. The game lived up to what the fans expected from a derby match. But despite how the game played out, Fans will be eager to see how these players respond in the coming weeks as both teams look to find consistency.

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By Francis Blessing