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Kaya Kaynak

Arteta drops scary White selection hint as Xhaka shouts at ref: Arsenal moments missed vs Spurs

Arsenal have lost crucial ground in the race for the final Champions League place after being roundly beaten in the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners started well and had early chances through Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, but found themselves behind when Cedric was harshly punished for a foul on Son Heung-Min, allowing Harry Kane to convert a penalty. Things then went from bad to worse as Rob Holding was sent off for an indisciplined second yellow for a foul on Son.

Not long after that Kane was able to turn home a second as he got free from a corner to give Spurs a massive lead going into the break. Just seconds after half time they were able to add a third when Son got on the scoresheet following a defensive scramble involving Gabriel.

READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham as Rob Holding loses head but Takehiro Tomiyasu impresses

The Brazilian was not to last the game as he forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem to round off an awful evening for Arsenal. They remain in fourth place, with a one point cushion over Spurs, but the damage in terms of momentum remains to be seen.

Here are some of the things that football.london spotted that you may have missed during the game.

Xhaka shows frustration with the ref

There was certainly some controversy about the way Arsenal fell behind as Cedric was very harshly punished for what appeared to be a very soft push at the back post. There were also some issues the Gunners had with the second though.

In the build up to the corner Spurs scored from, they were given a freekick for what referee Paul Tierney adjudged to be a foul by Bukayo Saka on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Replays though appeared to suggest the opposite was what occurred.

Granit Xhaka made sure to let the referee know this as the teams marched back to the halfway line for the kick off. The Swiss international could be seen pointing at where the foul took place to vent his frustration.

Gabriel panic at set-piece

Not long after Rob Holding's red card Arsenal lined up to defend that controversial corner. Nicolas Jover's influence has helped them to have a good record from corners this season, with the Frenchman playing a key role from the touchline in games.

However, with Holding now gone, as the Gunners lined up to defend this one, they appeared to be unsettled. Gabriel could be seen screaming over in a panicked manner to the Arsenal bench questioning who was meant to be marking the vacant space where Holding is usually so dominant.

The Brazilian went over to defend it, but could not reach the ball that was flicked on to Harry Kane. The England forward had broken clear of Eddie Nketiah and then had an easy free header at the back post to put Spurs two up.

Ben White decision hint

As Rob Holding was dismissed it appeared the obvious choice to replace the gap left at the heart of the Arsenal defence behind him was to have Ben White come on. The England international was even spotted running down the tunnel to get read and consuming an energy gel and having a word with strength and conditioning coach Sam Wilson, suggesting that he may be about to enter the fray.

However, as it was, Takehiro Tomiyasu was shifted over to centre back with Granit Xhaka covering at left back. White has been suffering from a hamstring issue so this did make some sense, but later in the evening more of a hint was given over a potential selection hint for Monday's clash with Newcastle.

As Gabriel was withdrawn with what appeared to be a hamstring issue of his own it was Nuno Tavares who came instead of White. This would suggest the 24-year-old's injury may be more serious than has been let on. With Holding and Gabriel both potentially out for Monday night's clash the centre back position could be a big worry for Arsenal.

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