It sounds like a cliche when they say that in big matches between big teams it’s the details which can decide the score, but it’s actually true. In the big North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal, there were plently of chances, but good defending and great saves prevented the goals until one detail prevailed – set pieces. Arsenal are known to be among the best in the league at set-pieces and today they again demonstrated that skill which eventually got them the much needed three points and a big, big away win against a heated rival (third in a row): Tottenham – Arsenal 0-1.It was 62nd minute when Saka took the corner and Gabriel was there to head it to the net from a close range. A familiar problem for Tottenham. They ranked 18th last season for set piece goals conceded and this was a free header for Gabriel inside the six-yard box. And again it was Bukayo Saka, who has scored 17 Premier League goals and 12 PL assists since start of last season prior to this match, adding the 13th one today. He is one of only three PL players to both take 100+ shots and create 80+ chances in the league since the start of last season, alongside Bruno Fernandes and Cole Palmer. Arsenal have won nine of their last 10 Premier League away games keeping eight clean sheets in that run and they did it so today, without Odegaard and Declan Rice.Four changes were made by Ange Postecoglou from the defeat at Newcastle with Dominic Solanke back fit to lead the line and Micky Van de Ven at the heart of the back four. The midfield three of Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski has a very imaginative look to it whilst Brennan Johnson returned on the right wing. As predicted, Odegaard and Calafiori were not available, so Jorginho took his place in the middle of the field, along with Partney and Trossard.Gabriel Martinelli opted to shoot on this chance vs. Tottenham, but Bukayo Saka wanted the ball played to him. pic.twitter.com/J9AtJsBpKv— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 15, 2024 The first half was exciting and full of chances as ever. Spurs have dominated possession and territory but in terms of chances it was pretty even. The two sides have had five shots each and registered 0.42 and 0.41 expected goals respectively. The first 15 minutes it was all Spurs and Raya had to make two good saves in the 6th and 8th minutes and after 15 minutes, the tide turned to Arsenal’s side, who had the best chance of the match in the 17th minute, when Martinelli and Saka were on the counter-attack, but the Brazilian took a shot from far distance instead of passing to Saka who was all alone, and Vicario saved it with ease. Havertz had a good header after a set-piece but again Vicario was good. It was also a very nervous first half with 17 fouls and seven yellow cards.🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨There have been 7 yellow cards in the first half between Tottenham and Arsenal, the joint-most in a first half of a Premier League game in recorded history #TOTARS pic.twitter.com/TxhZqOLg8T— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) September 15, 2024 Spurs again stepped on the pedal in the second half, but apart from one Solanke’s chance, there was not much to be seen before the Arsenal’s goal. Well executed corner which started with Saka’s cross ended in joy for the Gunners when Gabriel, who was basically all alone in the goal area, headed the ball into the net.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 4Saturday Southampton – Man Utd 0-3 (0-2)/De Ligt 33, Rashford 41, Garnacho 90+6/Man City – Brentford 2-1 (2-1)/Haaland 19, 32 – Wissa 1/Liverpool – Nott. Forest 0-1 (0-0)/Hudson-Odoi 72/Brighton – Ipswich 0-0Crystal Palace – Leicester 2-2 (0-1)/Mateta 47, 90+2 pen – Vardy 21, Mavididi 46/Fulham – West Ham 1-1 (1-0)/Jimenez 24 – Ings 90+5/Aston Villa – Everton 3-2 (1-2)/Watkins 36, 58, Duran 76 – Mc Neil 16, Calvert-Lewin 27/Bournemouth – Chelsea 0-1 (0-0)/Nkunku 86/Sunday Tottenham – Arsenal (0-0)/Gabriel 64/18.30: (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.60) Newcastle (2.15)***odds are subject to change***
