Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal: Gabriel & Gunners expose Spurs’ set-piece flaws

Spurs must have relished the arrival of Arsenal’s teamsheet without the names of Odegaard and Rice, but a lively start soon faded in an occasionally ill-tempered scrap, including an ugly first-half flare-up as players from both sides clashed following Jurien Timber’s challenge on Pedro Porro.

An expected Spurs response to Gabriel’s goal never materialised and keeper Raya was able to enjoy a relatively untroubled existence in the second half.

Arsenal leant heavily on Raya’s quality, defensive organisation and fierce determination before producing that moment of set-piece success to settle the destiny of the points.

Arsenal’s elation at the final whistle was understandable, with the win achieved without Odegaard and Rice, as well as the knowledge that more dropped points after drawing with Brighton at home would increase pressure ahead of their league game at champions and leaders Manchester City next weekend. They now lie just two points behind.

Spurs started the day with high hopes but an early feverish atmosphere was eventually subdued, with almost a sense of inevitability that Arsenal would inflict familiar pain, as they duly did.

Postecoglou and Spurs needed a fast start as a slump in the second half of last season saw them pass up a Champions League place to Aston Villa. It is an improvement in style and league placing after the stodge of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte but it is still a disappointment after so much optimism and promise for the first few months of the season.

Spurs currently sit in 13th place. They will feel this loss because it looked like the ideal occasion to reverse the trend against Arsenal on their own turf.

James Maddison still looks like a player lacking confidence, while new £60m summer signing Dominic Solanke was finding his feet on his home debut, the striker sending one header just wide, another straight into the arms of Raya, then taking too long over one first-half opportunity.

Spurs simply ran out of ideas before the end and Arsenal were content to soak up what might be loosely described as pressure before the final whistle was blown to the sound of mixed emotions.

It was a happy ending for Arsenal in this north London derby story, with their players and manager Arteta conducting joyous celebrations in their small corner of enemy territory.