Arsenal claimed a huge victory on Saturday over North London rivals Tottenham with a 3-1 win to claim all three points. While the usual bragging rights were up for grabs, a good start from both teams meant that the points were vital too if either were to make a push for the title.
The Gunners made a quick start and were given the lead from Thomas Partey's strike from outside the box that curled past Hugo Lloris. The game swung on its head ten minutes later though as Gabriel caught Richarlison in the box, with Harry Kane then finishing from the penalty spot.
The second half had a flurry of action, but it was all Arsenal as Gabriel Jesus picked up a loose ball in the box to take the lead just before the visitors were reduced to ten men from Emerson Royal's high challenge on Gabriel Martinelli. The points seemed sewn up just minutes later as Granit Xhaka scored a third with a curling effort at the end of a well-worked move.
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It leaves the Gunners top of the league and four points clear of their rivals, continuing their good start to the season with a handful of games left before the World Cup break. While it was an impressive team performance, a standout player in the game was William Saliba, who continued to show his composure both on and off the ball.
One of these moments was during a scramble in the box where he managed to hold onto the ball before driving past two opposition players, allowing the Gunners to reset during a difficult moment of pressure. Another came in the opposition half, where he managed to beat Oliver Skipp with an outrageous nutmeg.
His overall performance also caught the eye of Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport: "I think his composure, he’s very strong, mobile but it’s the composure in the pressure situations. He was the most composed centre-back on the pitch today - especially for Arsenal.
"There was times today where in transition, Arsenal could’ve got hurt but how many times did we see him come out with the ball. At the top level, you need to be calm, composed in these situations and at the moment, he’s showing that beyond his years but he has had to be patient and going away which shows he’s got character.
"I’m sure he’ll have a good career going here, he’s only been here short amount of time but he’s already become a fan favourite."
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