Due to a dominant performance against Tottenham in the north London derby at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal kept the top spot in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s team was superior throughout, and Emerson Royal’s dismissal for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli in the second half did not help Spurs’ cause.
After 20 minutes, Thomas Partey scored from 25 yards with a deft sidefoot finish into the top corner to give Arsenal a well-deserved lead.
Before halftime, Spurs received a lifeline when Richarlison was fouled by Gabriel, giving Harry Kane the chance to score from the spot for his 100th Premier League goal away from home and his 14th goal in 18 derby games.
Arsenal was gifted the lead once again when Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris fumbled badly to allow Gabriel Jesus to score four minutes after the break, Antonio Conte’s frustration made worse by Royal’s reckless challenge on Martinelli that prompted referee Anthony Taylor to produce a straight red card.
Conte was attempting to make three changes when Granit Xhaka effectively ended the contest with a low finish past Lloris from inside the area.
Arsenal’s outstanding start to the season, aided by some smart work in the transfer market in the summer, has raised hopes that they might be coming out of a long period of post-Arsene Wenger transition.
The Gunners were bitterly disappointed to miss out on Champions League football on the final day of last season but there is an energy, verve, and threat about Arsenal that suggests they can make a serious impact in this campaign.
