Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 talking points as Gunners blow Spurs away in thrilling derby victory | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Ramsdale repays Arteta's faith

Ramsdale might have effectively ended Leno's first-team chances today

There was a lot of speculation in the build-up to the derby over who's likely going to start in goal for Arsenal, although Bernd Leno's selection for midweek's Carabao Cup tie made it obvious.

The German is undoubtedly a fine goalkeeper, but since Aaron Ramsdale was reinstated between the sticks, the Gunners have kept a clean sheet in both league games.

The former Sheffield United custodian almost bagged a third in a row today, but despite conceding a goal, his performance oozed class, whilst also helping set up Arsenal's third of the evening.

He played a long pass at the feet of Granit Xhaka, who then turned his marker to launch a counter-attack which was later finished off by Aubameyang.

Ramsdale's passing was assured and never hesistated to come off his line in times of danger, demonstrating the confidence that is needed in big games like this.

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#4 Spurs let down by awful defending

Spurs were all over the place at the back

More particularly, the centre-back pairing of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier was awful, something which Santo might regret playing in the first place over Joe Rodon and new signing Cristian Romero.

It was almost like going to a sword fight with a toothbrush. Suffice to say, the gamble woefully backfired, with both players in no man's land and Arsenal having a gala time cutting a swathe through them.

Their first goal, especially, highlighted everything that was wrong with this partnership, as Smith-Rowe was given the full liberty to drive inside the box and nonchalantly finish beyond Lloris.

If that wasn't enough, the 21-year-old then ran past them for Arsenal's second goal as if they were some training cones, before squaring the ball for Aubameyang to complete the job.

Those who thought the lack of attacking firepower was the only major issue facing this Spurs team were given a massive reality check, for the side is not going anywhere with such a lackluster defense.

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#5 Tables turn so quickly

Arsenal have turned their fortunes around in the last three games

Three games into the 2021-22 Premier League season, Tottenham were flying, having won all their games, including a stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions Manchester City on the opening day.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were languishing second from bottom in the standings without a point, reeling from a series of humiliating defeats to debutants Brentford, Chelsea and the Sky Blues.

But fast forward your calendar to the present day, with three more games played, and the North London rivals have taken a completely opposite route, witnessing an exact contrasting run of fortunes.

While the Gunners have improved since their 5-0 battering at the hands of Pep Guardiola's men, winning all their last three games, Spurs haven't won any, ending up on the losing side each time.

Today's match highlighted the opposite direction in which the sides might be headed, with Arsenal showing the flair that had been missing from their game earlier on, and Spurs looking completely run out of steam.

It's still early days, and neither team is perfect. But the tables have turned spectacularly in such a short time that it's almost unbelievable.