In recent years, Arsenal has made significant investments, and this season they have performed steadily, ranking third in the league. However, the Gunners have suffered consecutive blows in the English League Cup and FA Cup, losing the first leg of the League Cup semi-final to Newcastle and being eliminated by Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup. Additionally, Jesus suffered a left knee anterior cruciate ligament injury. In the midweek double-header of the Premier League, the Gunners faced Tottenham in the North London derby. Son Heung-min scored the opening goal, Gabriel created an own goal, and Trossard overtook to secure a 2:1 comeback victory for Arsenal, earning them three points.
Although Tottenham achieved victories in both the League Cup and FA Cup, their performance was disappointing as they were dragged into extra time by a semi-professional team. Currently ranked 13th in the Premier League, Tottenham has only managed one win in their last eight league matches. The team's potential is unpredictable due to the wide range between their highs and lows, and their form is difficult to gauge. Due to injuries to several frontline players, Arteta had to rely on Havertz, Trossard, and Sterling to form the attacking line; Odegaard, Thomas, and Rice partnered in midfield; Tinnbergen, Saliba, Gabriel, and Skrill defended the backline, with Raya remaining in goal.
Playing at home, Arsenal started aggressively after kick-off, with Odegaard and Trossard both having chances but failing to score. In the 16th minute, Czech goalkeeper Jansky's slow clearance was intercepted by Havertz, but fortunately, he quickly controlled the second ball to avoid a major mistake. In the 21st minute, Spence's outside-of-the-foot cross from the left was cleared by Solanki, who was tackled by Gabriel, followed by Porro's corner kick, and Kulusevski's close-range powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Raya.
Despite not dominating the game, Tottenham created more scoring opportunities. In the 25th minute, Porro's cross was cleared, leaving a gap at the top of the Arsenal arc, and Son Heungmin's long-range shot took a deflection and went into the net, making it 0:1! Son Heungmin recently renewed his contract with Tottenham until next summer, and once again opened the scoring, breaking his six-game goal drought. This was his eighth goal in North London, second only to Kane.
After falling behind, Arsenal once again relied on their signature corner-kick strategy. In the 40th minute, Rice's corner kick saw Gabriel accelerate to the far post, heading the ball off Solanki and into the net, leveling the score at 1:1! In the 44th minute, Thomas made a fierce tackle in the center circle, and Odegaard counterattacked with a diagonal pass, allowing Trossard to dribble into the box and shoot into the far corner, making it 2:1! Within four minutes, the Gunners scored two goals to take the lead.
Returning from the locker room in the second half, Postecoglou had no choice but to go all out, bringing on Maddison and Brennan Johnson to strengthen the attack. Arteta, on the other hand, was very pragmatic, giving up possession to maintain their advantage and playing a counter-attacking strategy with the whole team. In the 84th minute, Tierney swept the ball across the left side towards the goal, but facing a chance that could have sealed the game, Odegaard missed the target. However, Arsenal still managed to hold on to the 2:1 scoreline until the end of the match. As a result, the Gunners rose to second place in the standings, just four points behind Liverpool, who still have a Merseyside derby to play. The hope of Arsenal winning the title has returned.