North London Derby: Martinelli stars as Spurs’ second half stall hands Gunners victory.

Key moments went Arsenals way in the second half, and there is no doubt they deserved it.

Big moments often define North London derbies, there are always goals, usually red cards and often penalties; today was no different as the Gunners extended their lead at the top for at least a few hours.

The first half was rather frenetic, Spurs were aggressive in their challenges and often looked long to their star-laden front 3. Arsenal began dominant, their positional play was excellent, allowing them to pick up more second balls and keep pressure on Tottenham, the ball was in their third for most of the first half. Thomas Partey was everywhere, recycling play effectively and having the better of his counterparts Hojberg and Bentancur, who were largely bypassed in favour of direct balls into the space in behind Saliba and Gabriel, a strategy largely nullified by the pairs proficiency in dealing with the threat of Son and Kane.

Despite having the run of play, the biggest first half chance fell to the feet of Richarlison, a Son set piece found its way to his feet mere yards from goal, but his prodded effort was well saved by Ramsdale, whose positioning was flawless throughout.

20 minutes in, Partey unleashed a fierce curling shot into the top right corner, Ben White’s invitation of a lay off had an emphatic RSVP from the Ghanaian, Xhaka gathered the team in a huddle, presumably in an attempt to prevent what came next.

As in every game this season, Arsenal impressed. There is no doubt of the quality of their players and style, but they often conspire to throw games away; moments such as the Gabriel challenge in the 29th minute often forge negative results from positive performances.

Think back to Xhaka’s foul on Silva followed by Gabriel’s red card against City on the first day of the year, or Holding’s naïve red card in the crucial North London Derby in May, a game which wounded their chances of top 4. Their defeat away at Old Trafford was a game they deserved to win, but Arteta lacked patience and threw the kitchen sink at his opponents prematurely; the dishes hadn’t even been done yet.

Finally, being direct paid off for the away side, Ricaharlison’s graft and energy up front earned his side a penalty 30 minutes in. Kane was unerring from the spot. After a strong half Arsenal found themselves level, Tottenham’s plan for safety in numbers at the back, quality in attack was (just about) paying off.

As it would turn out, Spurs would be the team to receive a moronic red card, perhaps there is something in the water in North London that means their defenders just can’t resist dismisalls; ‘just ONE more foul, please? I can quit whenever I like, Etc etc. Anthony Taylor did well to spot that Royal’s challenge was high and dangerous, no VAR required on this occasion.

Emerson Royal is no stranger to a lapse in concentration, his lunge on Martinelli was extremely careless and served as an indicator to the end of Spurs’ hopes of salvaging anything from the game. Hopes which were previously dented by Lloris, (also no stranger to a blunder) who gifted Jesus a customary goal to begin proceedings in the second half.

Down to 10, Spurs struggled to be as secure as the first half. A gaping hole at Right Back turned out not to be the optimal solution to Royal’s dismissal, Martinelli terrorised the remaining defenders, eventually carving out a chance for Xhaka, who made no mistake with the finish.

Conte immediately held up a white flag made up of 5 substitutions, swiftly introduced 3 defenders and 2 defensive midfielders while removing Son and Richarlison from proceedings. Defeat was apparent and accepted well before the final whistle, Tottenham let big moments get away from them but on the run of play they can have no complaints about the result, they were outclassed all over the pitch.

As for Arsenal, their verve and dynamism was as apparent as ever. 2 slight lapses in the first half beside, they were outstanding. Especially: Saliba, White, Xhaka and Martinelli, who all shone in their individual battles and made telling contributions in a crucial victory in the 192nd North London derby.

Tottenham head to the Amex next week in search of bouncing back. Arsenal host Liverpool, hoping to maintain their excellent run of form.