Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were promised a big test in the North London Derby but came through it as Mikel Arteta's team got the better of their 10-man opponents.
Before the game, former Arsenal and Tottenham centre-back William Gallas predicted a challenging afternoon for the pair, who were pitted against Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Spurs got the better of Arsenal in a crunch game at the end of last season, with Rob Holding sent off after struggling to deal with Antonio Conte's attackers, but this time the game went the other way.
There was a nervy moment at the end of the first half when Gabriel brought Richarlison down in the penalty area and Kane converted the resulting spot-kick. However, after being challenged by Gallas to prove they could perform against top opponents, they got the job done.
"That's what we want to see," Gallas told beIN Sports. "We want to see if the two defenders are ready to play against a big team. Unfortunately, against Manchester United, it didn't go too well for them, but today it will be a big, big test.
"Against Son, Kane, Richarlison... oh my god. I don't want to be in their position right now because when you play against those three strikers you have to be focused during 90 minutes or maybe more.
"You can lose a lot of energy because you have to be focused about their position, what they are going to do. So today will be a big test for them."
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Kane's first-half penalty ensured the two teams went in level at the break, with Thomas Partey having put the hosts in front. Gabriel Jesus pounced on a mistake from Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to make it two, though, and Granit Xhaka made the points safe after Emerson Royal was sent off for Conte's team.
Saliba continues to impress for Arsenal in his first season as a regular starter. The French international, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, won possession more times than any other player in the first half and even got involved in attacks in the second period with a nutmeg in the opposition area.
The former Saint-Etienne star has also won possession more than any other Premier League defender this season, per Opta, and was praised by commentator Jermaine Jenas as the former Spurs midfielder picked his player of the match. However, he narrowly missed out to goalscorer Xhaka.
Arsenal's victory ensured Spurs' unbeaten run was halted at seven league games this season, and 13 including games from the end of the previous campaign. Arteta's team stayed top of the Premier League with their win, extending the gap over their neighbours to four points.
