With the victory, Arsenal leads Manchester City with 39 points from 18 games, followed by Newcastle United, which has played more games, and Manchester United, which is one point behind.
On Sunday, leaders Arsenal put on a masterclass to defeat shattered north London rival Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 and widen the gap between themselves and the top spot in the Premier League to eight points.
A clumsy own goal by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and a stunning strike from Martin Odegaard gave the Gunners a first-half advantage right from the start.
Under Mikel Arteta, a fired-up Arsenal team that was determined to make up for their loss at Spurs last season, which ultimately cost them a spot in the top four, completely outplayed Tottenham.
They dominated the first half and fought hard in the second, making Tottenham manager Antonio Conte appear glum as he clapped his hands to rally his pathetic team.
Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker must score one more to equal Jimmy Greaves’ all-time scoring record. Had chances after the break, but goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale stood tall.
“It is past due. “It was amazing,” Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, told Sky Sports. We wanted to play a better game and show a different side of ourselves because we remembered what had happened here the previous time. We had fun playing.”
With the victory, Arsenal leads Manchester City with 39 points from 18 games. Followed by Newcastle United, which has played more games, and Manchester United, which is one point behind.
With 33 points from 19 matches, Spurs is fifth. After seven minutes, Arsenal had their first clear opportunity when Eddie Nketiah’s shot was well saved by Lloris, who was diving.
Seven minutes later, they scored when Bukayo Saka crossed from the right, and Lloris. For the first time in his 354 Premier League games, threw the ball into his own goal.
Odegaard nearly gave Arsenal the lead with a rasping long-range shot that Frenchman Lloris saved. Arsenal was in almost complete control.
After that, Thomas Partey got even closer with a ferocious volley that hit the post from just outside the area. However, in the 36th, Odegaard’s precise shot into the corner past a helpless Lloris extended Arsenal’s lead.
After Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s cross from the right, Spurs had a rare opportunity just before the break when Kane’s glancing header was saved by Ramsdale at the near post.
After the break, the hosts tried to get back into the game. Kane made Ramsdale make yet another excellent save.
However, despite all of the huffing and puffing, Tottenham was unable to break through. The visitors nearly scored again in the 69th minute when Saka’s attempt from close range was saved.
More importantly, Arsenal secured a commanding lead in the race for the title with the victory. Which marked the team’s first league double victory over Spurs since 2013-14.
Odegaard continued, “There is no doubt that we are in a good position.” We must remain humble and persevere in our efforts. You could tell the difference between the first and second halves today, so we still have work to do. We have to continue.”