Arsenal kept their title hunt going on Sunday with an impressive 2-0 win over North London rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners took an early lead through a Hugo Lloris own goal before Martin Odegaard doubled the lead with an excellent strike from outside the box.
It moved Mikel Arteta’s men eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as the season approaches its half way point.
Following a potentially vital moment in Arsenal’s campaign, Sportsmail’s Daniel Matthews rates the players from both teams.
Hugo Lloris scored an own goal in a disappointing performance against Arsenal
TOTTENHAM (3-4-3)
Hugo Lloris – Had a nightmare for Arsenal’s opener and then beaten from range by Odegaard. Did save crucially from Nketiah. 4.5
Cristian Romero – Failed to close down Odegaard for Arsenal’s second goal, allowing midfielder space to shoot. Booked for unfortunate slip. 5
Eric Dier – Laboured at the heart of a back three that struggled to contain Arsenal. Kept busy by Nketiah’s movement. 5.5
Clement Lenglet – Allowed Arsenal too much joy down Spurs’ left, with Nketiah and Saka causing havoc all afternoon. 5
Matt Doherty – Offered very little attacking thrust down Spurs’ right as he tried to keep a lid on Martinelli. 5
Ryan Sessegnon was run ragged by Bukayo Saka and failed to create big chances
Pape Matar Sarr – Showed some nice touches in possession and was harshly booked. But Spurs’ midfield two were simply overrun. 5.5
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Chasing shadows all afternoon as Tottenham’s midfield two were outnumbered and outplayed. Crossed for Kane’s headed chance. 5
Ryan Sessegnon – Run ragged by Saka and his deflection deceived Lloris for opener. Squandered several openings and was denied by Ramsdale. 5.5
Dejan Kulusevski – Came to life after half-time, setting up a chance for Kane and creating a couple of his own. 6
Harry Kane – Barely had a sniff in the first half before forcing Ramsdale into a couple of saves. But the record must wait. 6
Son Heung-min – Struggled to influence the game but had an early chance well saved before firing over late on. 5
Harry Kane forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale but was generally kept quiet
Subs:
Richarlison (for Doherty, 71) – Made more of an impact after the final whistle, pushing Ramsdale in the face as tempers flared. A tempestuous cameo. 6
Bissouma (for Sarr, 76) – Struggled to make much impact as Spurs pushed for a late route back into the game. 5.5
Davies (for Lenglet, 88)
Gil (for Kulusevski, 88)
Subs not used: Skipp, Sanchez, Richarlison, Gil, Emerson, Perisic, Forster, Davies, Bissouma.
Manager: Antonio Conte – his side rallied after half-time and after going behind. As they always do. But they deserved nothing here. 5
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
Ramsdale made five important saves for the Gunners to keep them ahead in the derby
Aaron Ramsdale – Needed to make five smart saves to keep Tottenham at bay. One of his best performances for Arsenal. 8.5
Ben White – Allowed Sessegnon several openings but his control and overlapping runs beyond Saka are crucial to Arsenal’s attack. 7
William Saliba – After a few recent wobbles, a vital clean sheet and barely a foot wrong. Held firm despite Spurs’ rally. 7
Gabriel Magalhaes – Brazilian kept Kane quiet before allowing him a headed chance shortly before half-time. Otherwise impressed alongside Saliba. 7
Oleksandr Zinchenko – So slick and calm in possession. Came inside to give Arsenal midfield dominance but caused second-half problems by Kulusevski. 7.5
Martin Odegaard – Is there a better midfielder in the division at the moment? Imperious again and took his goal brilliantly. 8.5
Martin Odegaard scored an excellent goal from distance in an imperious performance
Thomas Partey – His stunning volley hit the post and midfielder had a crucial hand in Arsenal’s second. Fortunate to avoid booking. 7.5
Granit Xhaka – His experience was crucial as Arsenal tried to close out the game. Laid on a great chance for Nketiah. 7
Bukayo Saka – Faded after having a hand in both Arsenal goals. Gave Sessegnon nightmares in another fine performance. 7.5
Eddie Nketiah – Missed a couple of glorious chances but his movement, link-up play and unselfish work was vital. 8
Gabriel Martinelli – Started brightly, causing Doherty problems with his pressing and movement. Laid on chance for Nketiah with superb technique. 7.5
Bukayo Saka had a hand in both goals but then faded in the game as Arsenal held on
Subs:
Kieran Tierney (for Martinelli, 79) – Brought on to shore up Arsenal’s left flank after bright Spurs spell. Another no-frills performance. 6.5
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko, 86)
Emile Smith Rowe (for Nketiah, 90)
Fabio Vieira (for Odegaard, 90)
Manager: Mikel Arteta – His side fully deserved their first win here as they cleared yet another psychological barrier this season. 8
Referee: Craig Pawson – won’t be popular in this half of north London. But Spurs must know his performance didn’t decide the game. 5
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