Arsenal's great start to the new Premier League season continued on Saturday as they eased past Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka were enough to help the Gunners on their way to a 3-1 victory, a win that means they stay top of the table for another week at least.
Mikel Arteta's team started quickly and after a dominant first 20 minutes, Partey curled a beautifully weighted effort from outside the box into the top corner. Arsenal failed to go into the break with the lead, though, as Gabriel Magalhaes tripped Richarlison in the box to award Spurs a penalty with just over half an hour played. Superstar forward Harry Kane made no mistake from 12 yards to level proceedings.
But the Gunners came out of the blocks quickly in the second-half and quickly restored their lead. In the 49th minute, Hugo Lloris failed to parry Bukayo Saka's shot away from the danger area and Jesus pounced on the rebound to make it 2-1 to the home side.
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Spurs were still in the game until a howler of a moment from Emerson Royal. Although Gabriel Martinelli's back was turned towards his own goal, the Brazilian made a horrific challenge on his fellow countryman's back-leg and Tottenham were made to see out the final third of the game with 10-men.
Arsenal capitalised on that error just five minutes later as in the 67th minute, Xhaka fired a shot past Lloris into the bottom right-hand corner. The encounter was plain-sailing from there as Arteta's side eased to an eventually comfortable three points, a win that means they're now four points above Spurs in the table.
There were plenty of winners and losers from Saturday's clash. So, with that in mind, football.london has taken a look at who they are.
WINNERS
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka's had to overcome his fair share of troubles in an Arsenal shirt but it's fair to say he's recovered to become a fan favourite of late. His recent performances have been inspired and after an extremely impressive performance in the middle of the park, many recommended him for Player of the Match.
The Swiss international is enjoying himself in a more advanced midfield role this campaign and has already found the net on two occasions in the Premier League. His manager will be hoping that his form will continue moving forward.
Thomas Partey
Partey's suffered from a number of injuries since arriving in north London in 2020 but he once again proved that he deserves a place in Arteta's starting lineup. Confident moving the ball forward, Partey excelled in the deeper midfield role and was vital in progressing Arsenal's play.
To top things off, he finally scored from a curling effort, something he's tried several times over the past year or two. He also got through the clash unscathed, something that's important given that the Gunners host Liverpool this coming Sunday.
William Saliba
Saliba has been incredibly resolute at the back since returning from his loan spell at Marseille. The 21-year-old looks a star in the making and he rightfully earned praise for his performance once again.
The Frenchman kept the likes of Son Heung-min and Richarlison very quiet whilst Kane's only real contribution was the penalty. He remained calm both on and off the ball and showed exactly why he's likely to go to the World Cup with his nation in November.
LOSERS
Emerson Royal
Even before the sending off, Royal looked uncomfortable. Arsenal's quick and dynamic front three were evidently a handful, but the Brazilian looked out of place at times. Some have called for him to be replaced as a regular starter now, something Antonio Conte will have to consider in the coming weeks.
Until then, though, he's to serve a suspension for what was a totally unnecessary challenge on Martinelli.
Cristian Romero
The Argentine has been typically reliable since signing last summer, but Jesus had his number at the weekend. Constantly diving in and attempting to breakup play, it's a bit of a miracle that Romero wasn't booked for an accumulation of rash challenges.
Nonetheless, his poor performance didn't go unnoticed and he'll need to bounce back as soon as possible.
Antonio Conte
Conte got it right in May as Tottenham beat the Gunners 3-0 at their home ground. After that game, he accused Arteta of complaining too much about the referee's decision and not focusing on his own faults. Well, the Italian looks a bit of a hypocrite now as he insisted that the red card 'killed the game'.
It's a win apiece for the two managers now, something Conte will want to better when they next play each other in January.
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