Arsenal edge Spurs 2-1 in North London Derby victory

Leandro Trossard scored the winner as Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Wednesday night in Matchweek 21 of the English Premier League, held at the Emirates Stadium.

Desperate for a response after getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Sunday, the Gunners began the encounter strongly. However, their momentum was undone in the 25th minute when Heung-Min Son’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The hosts, nevertheless, reasserted themselves as the unrivalled set-piece specialists in the 40th minute after scoring from a corner kick for the 10th time this season.

Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes towered above everyone, nodding the ball towards goal — where a deflection off Dominic Solanke equalised for the Gunners.

Advancing on the left wing after receiving the ball from captain Martin Odegaard, Trossard unleashed a stunning shot that completed Arsenal’s comeback right at the stroke of halftime.

The win ensures Mikel Arteta’s men leapfrog Nottingham Forest into second with 43 points, four points behind leaders Liverpool.

Meanwhile, defeat in the North London derby condemns Spurs to 13th after going winless in five consecutive games.

After the game, Arteta praised his side for the comeback victory.

“I’m very proud of the team; I think we were sensational,” he said.

“I think it was a good test to see after two big performances and not getting rewarded in two different competitions.

“You have to play the biggest game of the season for our people in those conditions, and it’s a test of attitude.”

Recommended!

The Better Bettors!

Australian-owned and operated bookmaker!

Join MarantelliBet

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?

Fast Payouts

50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000

Visit BetOnline

According to Arteta, the hard-fought victory legitimises Arsenal’s bid for the Premier League title.

He said, “We are [in the title race] because there’s so much to play for, and we can see how difficult it is for every team to win.

“The result gives us the chance to enjoy the moment instead of momentum because momentum starts tomorrow to prepare us for Villa.”

Meanwhile, the Spurs manager felt his side were far from their best.

“Not good enough, especially the first half, which was way too passive,” said Ange Postecoglou.

“We allowed Arsenal to take control.

“I was disappointed with us with and without the ball, allowing them to dictate the tempo. Nowhere near good enough.”

Arsenal will host Aston Villa in the EPL this Saturday, and leading bookmakers have them as -196.08 favourites to defeat their guests (+551).

Tottenham Hotspur will be in Goodison Park on Sunday, with the soccer betting sites paying +152 for the North Londoners to beat Everton (+182).

Sports betting tips