Gareth Bale and Mesut Ozil remain unused as Tottenham defeated Arsenal in today north London derby.
Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane were Tottenham’s heroes once again, firing their side back to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over rivals Arsenal in front of 2,000 fans.
The spectators permitted into the South Stand, following easing of coronavirus restrictions, were treated to a clinical victory over their neighbours – and more brilliant link-up play between Spurs’ star men.
Son (13) curled in a delicious opener after being assisted by Kane for the eighth time in the Premier League this season, before returning the favour as Kane (45+1) slammed in the second to become the top scorer in north London derby history, with his 11th strike against the Gunners.
Arsenal dominated possession and territory throughout but once again their disjointed attack failed to fire or fashion any real clear-cut openings. That’s just two goals in seven top-flight games for Arsenal now, and their sixth defeat in their last nine Premier League games leaving them 15th in the table.
Player ratings
Tottenham: Lloris (8), Aurier (8), Alderweireld (8), Dier (8), Reguilon (8), Sissoko (7), Hojbjerg (9), Son (9), Lo Celso (8), Bergwijn (7), Kane (9).
Subs used: Davies (6), Lucas (n/a), Rodon (n/a)
Arsenal: Leno (5), Holding (5), Gabriel (6), Tierney (6), Bellerin (6), Partey (5), Xhaka (5), Saka (6), Willian (5), Lacazette (5), Aubameyang (4).
Subs used: Ceballos (6), Nketiah (6)
Man of the match: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham)
Tottenham fans were back in their home stadium for the first time since March 4 and they were cheering inside a couple of seconds when Alexandre Lacazette hit the ball straight out of play from the kick-off.
Arsenal had just one win from six Premier League games going into this one and their nerves against their high-flying neighbours were evident just a couple of minutes later when Granit Xhaka resorted to a rugby tackle to bring down Kane 30 yards from goal.
Arsenal were right to be wary of Spurs’ threat up front but Rob Holding gave Son far too much room as the attacker broke down the left flank before stepping in on his right and bending a brilliant shot in at the far corner from 25 yards.
