It was ugly but necessary from Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby, and a Gabriel header ensured they escaped the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three points.
Mikel Arteta has cultivated a battle-hardened group that can win when the going get’s tough. They played without the ball for much of Sunday’s game, but backed themselves to shut out a spritely but ultimately blunt Tottenham attack.
This was a big-boy showing from the Gunners, whose collective effort was immense. However, there were a few individuals who stood out on the big occasion once more, so let’s celebrate them.
1. Gabriel & William Saliba
William Saliba is the slightly younger and more stylish defender who gets plaudits galore, but I thought Gabriel outperformed the Frenchman last season and should be regarded as equally important to the Arteta project.
2. Jurrien Timber
I don’t have to data to back this up, but when they did venture wide, Tottenham seemed intent on attacking this demon in the second-half – perhaps believing they could bait Timber into picking up a second booking.
3. Kai Havertz
Bukayo Saka assisted Gabriel’s header, Gabriel Martinelli was a threat in behind and a dogged runner defensively, while Kai Havertz was his usual pesky self.
