Arsenal demonstrated their prowess in a remarkable first-half performance, with goals scored by Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Bukayo Saka. The youthful team outshined a lackluster Tottenham side, showcasing their hunger and precision on the field.
In the 12th minute, Smith Rowe elegantly scored Arsenal’s opening goal, swiftly followed by an impressive setup for Aubameyang in the 27th minute. The onslaught continued as Saka secured a commanding 3-0 lead for the hosts in the 34th minute.
After the halftime, a spirited effort from Tottenham saw Son Heung-min score a goal with just over 10 minutes left. However, it proved to be too little, too late for the visitors, as their early-season optimism vanished.
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| Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – September 26, 2021 Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Moura in action with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka. Photo: Reuters |
Arsenal have experienced a strong turnaround in form after a challenging start to the Premier League season. Despite losing their first three matches without scoring, the team has since bounced back with three consecutive victories. As a result, they have now surpassed Tottenham in the standings. Tottenham, on the other hand, began the season with three impressive wins to take the top spot. However, their fortunes have since taken a turn for the worse, having lost three consecutive London derbies and conceding a total of nine goals in the process.
After initially struggling in the league and occupying the last position in the table after three matches, Arsenal has managed to climb up the ranks and currently sits at 10th place with a total of nine points. The team’s superior goal difference has enabled them to surpass Tottenham in the standings.
Both clubs have experienced a significant turnaround in their fortunes. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has effectively stabilized the team following a tumultuous beginning, while Nuno Espirito Santo, the opposing manager, faces a formidable challenge in lifting his side out of their current slump.
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| Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – September 26, 2021 Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min in action with Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu. Photo: Reuters |
Tottenham’s recent performance against Arsenal raises concerns for their supporters as they have only managed to win once in their last 29 league games away.
Many players on their team underperformed, causing their confidence to be greatly diminished. This was evident as they allowed three or more goals in three consecutive Premier League games, a feat they have not accomplished since 2003.
On the other hand, Arsenal approached the game against Spurs with confidence, as they fielded their youngest starting lineup for a home league game since 1988.
From the onset of the match, Arsenal played with a sense of urgency and swiftly took the lead within just 12 minutes.
Saka effortlessly maneuvered past Sergio Reguilon on the right flank and executed a precise low cross, allowing Smith Rowe to smoothly strike the ball into the net, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris helpless.
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| Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – September 26, 2021 Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in action with Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Photo: Reuters |
Thomas Partey posed a significant challenge for Lloris, resulting in an impressive save. While Son managed to test Aaron Ramsdale with a strong angled shot, such moments of danger were infrequent for the visiting team.
Arsenal’s second goal was the outcome of a breathtaking counter-attack that dismantled Tottenham’s defense. Aubameyang’s skillful touch freed Smith Rowe near the halfway line, and the Gabonese striker surged forward to reach Smith Rowe’s assist before confidently firing past Lloris.
In the 35th minute of the match, the home supporters erupted in celebration as Harry Kane, seeking redemption after losing possession, executed a sliding tackle on Saka. However, luck was not on his side, as the ball fortuitously landed in the path of his England teammate, who skillfully angled a shot past Lloris.
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| Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – September 26, 2021 Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu in action with Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min. Photo: Reuters |
At halftime, Tottenham made substitutions, replacing Dele Alli and Japhet Tanganga. However, given the poor performance displayed by the visitors, it could have been any number of their players being substituted.
Kane missed an excellent opportunity in the second half when he delicately placed a shot wide following a defensive error from Arsenal. This instance exemplified the struggles the striker has faced throughout his season thus far.
As Tottenham’s Son managed to salvage some respectability with a scoreline, the majority of the team’s fans had already started making their way home.
