Arsenal outclass Spurs to turn North London red

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit, with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. A result that also saw them complete the double over their arch-rivals for the first time since 2014.

The Gunners were incredibly dominant throughout the first period and took the lead on 14 minutes when a Hugo Lloris howler allowed Bukayo Saka’s cross-shot to somehow divert into the net.

Thomas Partey hit the post with a stunning volley and Eddie Nketiah also went close before Martin Odegaard’s 25-yard strike flew into Lloris’ bottom left-hand corner.

Spurs had struggled to get out of their own half but almost nicked a lifeline when Harry Kane saw a header well saved by Aaron Ramsdale on 45 minutes. As has so often been the case this season, the Lilywhites were much-improved after the interval and Ramsdale was kept busy by Kane and then Ryan Sessegnon.

A much more even contest ensued but the visitors stood firm when under pressure and remained a threat on the counter with Nketiah going close on a couple of occasions to increasing their margin of victory.

The biggest difference in the Gunners this term has been their ability to cope under pressure, something which was evident as they comfortably saw out the final stages to secure a huge victory.

The result sees Spurs remain in fifth spot, five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United having played a game more. Arsenal are now 12 league matches unbeaten and look a strong bet to push for their first title since 2004.

 Next up, Spurs visit Manchester City on Thursday while Arsenal host Manchester United next Sunday in another crunch encounter.

Arsenal pass major test

The dramatic collapse to last season’s top-four push and the significance of the 3-0 defeat to Spurs in May was mentioned numerous times in the build up to this encounter. Mikel Arteta's men laid to rest any doubts that may have lingered before kick-off

The significance of the victory should not be overlooked. It was a first win at Spurs since 2014 and a first league double over the Lilywhites since that 2013-14 campaign. We are still at the halfway stage but the Gunners certainly look the real deal on this evidence.