Goals: Arsenal: Mustafi (36), Sanchez (42).
Man of the Match/Goat of the Game: A terrific team effort from front to back, but this was largely a Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez show. Both of our soon to be free agents produced massive performances.
Referee Rating: Mike Dean 5. Dean flashed yellow cards our way and I spent most of the match worrying about whether Xhaka would last the 90 minutes. Both goals had the potential for offside to be given, but this time Arsenal got the rub of the green. Spurs will also object to the award of the free-kick on the first goal as well, but it looked like Sanchez had been pushed.
Manager Rating: Wenger 8. The team were ready, despite the early start, were competitive from the outset and all players delivered. The substitutions appeared to be timely as well, although maybe Lacazette could’ve stayed longer (although his thigh is wrapped with bandages and we don’t know what knock he’s carrying).
Arsenal performance: A terrific win in a match Arsenal needed to win. There was a concentrated defensive effort that denied Spurs clear cut chances, whereas on the other end Arsenal created chances and looked dangerous through most of the match. All of the players produced excellent performances.
Conclusion: The gap in North London has narrowed and Arsenal can once again be a legitimate contender for the top four. They now need to play consistently like they did today and put together a winning streak to make up some lost ground.
Player Ratings:
Cech 8: He was not as busy as he’s been at some recent North London derbies, but Cech made some key saves. An early save from Kane, who hit it hard but straight at Cech, who never spilled a rebound, helped create confidence. He made a fine save off Dier late in the game.
Koscielny 8: Another solid match from Laurent, who was excellent at the back.
Mustafi 9: An excellent performance from Skhodran, who scored the opening goal with a fine header. He made a number of key headers and challenges at the back, his first game back from a recent injury. Made a key challenge on Kane to prevent a goal.
Monreal 8: A solid match from Nacho who kept things quiet on his flank.
Bellerin 7: An early cross from him just missed picking out Lacazette. He looked dangerous a couple of times and had a shot blocked on a fast break near the end. He worked hard defensively as well.
Xhaka 7: An early yellow card hampered him somewhat, but he still played well and finished the game strongly.
Ramsey 8: He did have his giveaways, one courtesy of a slip near our area, but we managed to get away with these. He worked hard on both sides of the field.
Kolasinac 7: He was strong both offensively and defensively.
Ozil 9: He was everywhere, largely dictating the game, leading the breaks, playing some energetic defence … it was a sight to behold. Assisted on the opening goal with a fine free-kick.
Lacazette 8: Influential and hard-working throughout, he wasn’t able to convert the few half chances he had, but he combined well with others, witness his assist on the second goal.
Sanchez 9: A rejuvenated Sanchez, who hadn’t played during the break, was everywhere and eager to contribute. His goal was terrific, taking the cross and smashing it into the roof of the goal. He almost scored again in the second half, but this time Lloris was able to smother the attempt.
Substitutes:
Coquelin 6: Came on to add some defensive stability.
Iwobi 6: First touch was a giveaway that almost led to a Spurs goal. He had a shot late in the game that he lashed wide.