Arsenal 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur: 4 Things we learnt from the North London derby

Arsenal enjoyed a resounding victory
Arsenal enjoyed a resounding victory

The North London derby at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon was a rousing affair with goals galore. The game was on a knife-edge throughout, with Dier’s celebration adding another dimension to an already heated rivalry.

The tackles started flying in right at the outset as Arsenal set the pace against their North London rivals. The Gunners controlled the initial proceedings and deservedly went ahead after Vetronghen’s inexplicable handball handed Arsenal a penalty. Aubameyang stepped up and coolly slotted past Lloris.

However, the game was to turn on its head minutes later. Awarded a free kick on the left side, Eriksen curled in a majestic cross, which Dier slotted past an unconvincing Leno. A couple of minutes later, Mike Dean awarded Spurs a contentious penalty after Son went down under minimal contact.

For all of the Gunners’ exuberant play, they found themselves trailing at the break. However, the introductions of Lacazette and Ramsey tilted the game in their favour once and for all. The former scored the decisive third goal while the latter set up the equaliser and Lacazette’s goal.

With the Gunners putting in such an exciting display, the Arsenal faithful’s joy knew no bounds. There were many aspects that came to light through the course of the game and that is what we are going to tackle in this article.

In this piece, we would go through 4 things that we learnt from the see-saw North London Derby. Here is a look at them:


#4 Three at the back is a viable option for Arsenal

Aubameyang and Lacazette thrived in the new system
Aubameyang and Lacazette thrived in the new system

For the second successive game, Unai Emery opted for a back three, comprising of Mustafi, Sokratis and Holding. The trio didn’t disappoint and kept the prolific Kane quiet for long periods of time.

Additionally, the tweak in system let the leash off the full-backs as they had the entirety of the wide channels to wreak havoc. Provided with increased freedom to venture forward, Kolasinac and Bellerin were constant menaces down their flanks with the former enjoying his best game of the campaign. Both the aforementioned full backs still look a little suspect defensively. Hence, the new ‘three at the back’ system could provide them the necessary protection.

The 3-4-1-2 or the 3-4-2-1 would also present the opportunity of allowing the likes of Ramsey and Ozil to play with lesser inhibitions as Torreira and Xhaka invariably find themselves blocking the opposition’s path to goal.

Moreover, the system accorded Emery the opportunity to play his star strikers up front. Lacazette and Aubameyang troubled the Spurs defence throughout and grabbed a goal apiece in the second half.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Gunners’ play is the partnership between Lacazette and Aubameyang. In playing three at the back, they can harness that relationship while also not compromising on the width and extra protection at the back.

Thus, moving forward, the three at the back could well become Emery’s trusted lieutenant.

#3 Lucas Torreira is Arsenal’s main man

Torreira celebrates his first goal for Arsenal
Torreira celebrates his first goal for Arsenal

Another game and another dynamite performance from Arsenal’s diminutive Uruguayan midfielder. Having signed in the summer, Torreira (to the joy of Gooners), is making a habit of bossing the middle of the park in big games.

The pocket-sized dynamo was superb against Liverpool with many terming his performance as one of the best midfield performances the Emirates pitch had seen since the turn of the decade. However, on Sunday, he took his game up a notch and outclassed, out-passed, out-tackled and out-muscled Spurs’ midfield to the ground. To cap off his sensational display, he even popped up with his first Arsenal goal.

For many a year, Arsenal have lacked a midfielder who is talented on the ball and tenacious off it. Torreira seems to tick all those boxes and the results are clear for everyone to see. Whenever Torreira has a bad game, the Gunners invariably struggle. Thus, a mere 5 months into his Arsenal career, the midfielder has established himself as the most vital cog.

Already a contender for the ‘signing of the summer’ tag, the £26 million fee looks the bargain of the decade. Some say that Torreira is still adapting to life in London and that he will improve with time. While that is music to the Gooners’ ears, it is a huge warning sign for rivals.

Whatever the case may be, there is one indisputable fact: Torreira is Arsenal’s main man.

#2 Aaron Ramsey still has a role to play at Arsenal this season

Ramsey helped turn the game in the 2nd half
Ramsey helped turn the game in the 2nd half

A few days after Emery arrived at the Emirates, there were rumours that the Spaniard planned to build his team around the Welshman. However, just 6 months on, the latter has been asked to warm the bench with the former considering him a misfit for his system.

Ramsey, being the ultimate professional, has taken to it pretty well and has come up with the goods when called upon. Though his performances haven’t set the world ablaze, his numbers make for impressive reading. Despite being frozen out of the first team picture, he can still boast of 6 assists across all competitions.

Moreover, Emery’s tweaking of the system might just have paved the way for Ramsey to make his mark. Accorded a role higher up the pitch on Sunday, he caused problems with his energy and darting runs.

The Welshman is revered by Arsenal fans. Numerous sublime goals coupled with match-winning contributions make him an absolute favourite. Additionally, Ramsey’s journey from a broken leg to the one ending Arsenal’s trophy drought is nothing short of heroic.

The Gooners would be gutted to watch the Welshman leave in the summer. However, if he can come up with performances like the one against Tottenham, Emery might just re-consider putting that contract back on the table.

Although his future remains uncertain, one thing that is certain is that Ramsey still has a role to play this season. And if it turns out to be his last season, Ramsey, ‘the Ultimate Gunner’, might just want to power the love of his life into the country’s elite again.

#1 The Unai Emery revolution is well and truly underway

The Unai Emery revolution is gathering steam
The Unai Emery revolution is gathering steam

Unai Emery arrived at Arsenal with massive shoes to fill. He had to replace one of the best managers ever, who had made Arsenal the footballing power it is. With many questioning if the Spaniard was the right appointment, Emery needed results and he needed them quick. And boy, has he done that.

Arsenal currently find themselves on the right side of a 19-match unbeaten run. Having drawn against Liverpool during this run, Emery needed a ‘statement victory’ and it came in the form of a masterclass against their arch-rivals.

The Spaniard has often lamented the Gunners’ lack of sharpness at the start of games. However, on Sunday, Arsenal raced out of the blocks and immediately pressurised the Spurs defence and midfield into making mistakes. The front three of Iwobi, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan ‘pressed’ relentlessly and were rewarded with a goal for their troubles.

Although the Gunners unluckily fell behind to Tottenham, Emery never panicked. The Spaniard tweaked his system at half-time and it worked a charm. The new triumvirate of Ramsey, Lacazette and Aubameyang tore the Spurs defence to shreds.

The shift in the system was a refreshing change for Gooners who had become used to only one style of football under Wenger’s later years.

Moreover, the Spaniard used no less than three systems through the course of the match, constantly plotting his opposite number’s downfall. Thus, for the first time in years, Arsenal displayed a tactical flexibility.

The Emirates was as loud as it has been for quite a few years and Emery is a major contributor. The terraces radiated as much energy as the characters on the pitch.

After weeks of impressive displays, Emery finally has the first substantial victory of his tenure. The Emery Era, which many believed to really kick in at the start of the second season is well ahead of schedule. While the talk of a title challenge is still premature, Arsenal fans wouldn’t mind if the ‘Unai Revolution’ is as exhilarating and effervescent as this.

As for the decision the club hierarchy made in terms of Wenger’s replacement, it’s safe to say that they probably got it right.

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Edited by Raunak J