Delight for Arsene Wenger and his side in the end but, even in victory, the doubts persist about whether this Arsenal squad is strong enough over the whole season to challenge for the title and the top four.
Arsene Wenger made three changes to the Arsenal side that had beaten Fenerbahce at the Emirates in midweek, with Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Laurent Koscielny all coming into the rearguard. Meanwhile, Andre Villas-Boas named the same Spurs side that had beaten Swansea in their previous Premier League outing.
the Gunners who took the lead midway through the first half as Tomas Rosicky fed Theo Walcott, who raced in behind Danny Rose and crossed for Giroud, who finished at close range.
Soldado had become an increasingly isolated figure in Spurs’ 4-3-3 system, and there was little change after the break – although he went down just inside the box claiming a push from Koscielny.
Tottenham nearly equalised immediately as Defoe forced Szczesny into a fine save, and Soldado’s follow-up was then blocked – the Spainiard shouting for handball – before Walker fired wide.
At the other end, Walcott was denied by the excellent Lloris, and Walker reacted the reach the loose ball just ahead of Gunners substitute Nacho Monreal, who had only just taken to the field in place of Rosicky.
Arsenal had to withstand some late pressure but they held their nerve and kept clearing their lines until the final whistle to win the derby.
KEY STATS
Infostrada: Olivier Giroud has scored in all three of Arsenal’s league games so far this season and has bagged four goals in his last five Premier League appearances at the Emirates.
Opta: All 14 of Giroud’s Premier League goals have come in London: 12 at The Emirates, one at West Ham and one at Fulham.
Infostrada: This was the first time since November 2010 that Tottenham have not had a man sent off at the Emirates.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Olivier Giroud (Arsenal): Another fine display by the man who’s proving an able replacement for Robin van Persie. A beautifully taken goal here continues his run of three-in-three in the Premier League this season.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Olivier Giroud (Arsenal): Another fine display by the man who’s proving an able replacement for Robin van Persie. A beautifully taken goal here continues his run of three-in-three in the Premier League this season.
PLAYER RATINGS
Arsenal: Szczesny 8, Jenkinson 7, Mertesacker 7, Koscielny 7, Gibbs 8, Ramsey 7, Wilshere 6, Walcott 8, Rosicky 8, Cazorla 7, Giroud 9. Subs: Flamini 7, Monreal N/A, Sagna N/A.
Tottenham: Lloris 8, Walker 6, Dawson 6, Vertonghen 6, Rose 7, Paulinho 7, Capoue 7, Townsend 7, Dembele 6, Chadli 5, Soldado 6. Subs: Defoe 7, Sandro 6, Lamela 6.
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