Arsenal produced a relentless and enthralling attacking performance as Unai Emery tasted his first North London Derby with an impressive and deserved win over Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 19 games, moving above Spurs into the top four.
Here are the five takeaways from a pulsating encounter:
It’s a ‘Brave New World’ for Arsenal
When Arsenal were 2-1 down at half-time, you wouldn’t have backed them to overturn the scoreline if this was a game played last season under Arsene Wenger but my, how things have changed at the Emirates under Spanish coach Unai Emery. This victory and display over an impressive Tottenham team – buoyed by their victory over Chelsea last week and Inter Milan midweek in the Champions League – reflected the outstanding and progressive work that Unai Emery has done since succeeding Arsene Wenger.
From the first minute, Arsenal were all over Tottenham Hotspur, carving apart the defence with such vigour and aplomb and even finding themselves ahead as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang comfortably dispatched his penalty after Jan Vertonghen stupidly handled in the area. Certainly, Arsenal have been singled out for their slow starts this season, but on this evidence, those unpopular traits looked to have been disintegrated.
What also was impressive of this Arsenal performance was their confidence on the ball and the ease at which they dominated Tottenham’s star studded midfield. Under Wenger, many a times were Arsenal passive and slow out of the blocks over the past couple of seasons but Emery has successfully moulded his side into a team that is very difficult to overcome – hence their 19 game unbeaten streak. Arsenal have shown such vast improvements since their opening defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea. It’s a Brave New World for Emery’s Gunners.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Unstoppable
I don’t know what you thought of Aubameyang’s second goal but, for me, that finish was out of this world, pure class from a player who is on top of his game. An instinctive, incisive and predatory finish – reminded you of a certain Thierry Henry or even Robin Van Persie in their Arsenal hey days. That’s now nine goals in the league so far for Aubameyang and on this form you wouldn’t back against him to stop Harry Kane’s Golden Boot glut come the end of the season. What’s even more impressive about the Gabon superstar is his incredible knack being in the right place at the right time much highlighted by some of his goals this season. The pressing from the front and hunting down lost causes is breathing much new life into the Arsenal attack.
Lucas Torreira the new Patrick Vieira
My oh my, what a player Unai Emery has on his hand in Lucas Torreira. Signed from Sampdoria shortly before the World Cup this summer. His performance in Russia was sure to have got Arsenal fans excited before the season got under way and boy has he backed up that excitement so far. Finally, Arsenal have themselves a dogged and bullish defensive midfielder. Ever since Patrick Vieira left Arsenal in 2005 have the club been on the search for a midfielder of the same mould and quality but to no avail. It has taken Arsenal 15 years to find a suitable replacement, and boy do have they found him in the Uruguayan. A workhorse, terrier and not only that but it his calm and assured ability on the ball that makes Torreira the perfectly balanced midfielder in Emery’s weaponry.
The Premier League may just have another Kante on their hands. The Uruguayan was at his fluent and rugged best all mixed into one, and even finding himself on the score sheet for the first time and what a game to get it and cap off such a masterful performance in front of the Arsenal faithful. Emery may have on his hands a future Arsenal captain. Money well spent.
Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth Endure a Torrid Afternoon
You have to feel for Tottenham in this game after their impressive comeback just before half-time but even despite their efforts, Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth endured such a difficult afternoon. From the first minute, they were put to the sword as Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi swarmed all over them. Tottenham were overpowered in by their own game. Such is Tottenham’s nous and suitability to playing out from the back, you always had to wonder why Pochettino did not start Toby Alderweireld. On this evidence, we can assuredly come to the conclusion that the Belgian is indeed Tottenham’s best centre-back. Pochettino can only imagine what could have been had the club sold him to Manchester United this summer. From Vertonghen’s silly handball to award Arsenal a penalty to his absurd tackle on Alexandre Lacazette, the performance of both Tottenham’s centre-backs were root cause of Tottenham’s downfall in this game.
Emery Subs Changes the Complexion of the Tie
The introduction of Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey at half-time was a masterstroke by Unai Emery. Both players were tasked with occupying both of Tottenham’s centre-back while Aubameyang was given the license to roam around. Tottenham’s defenders just couldn’t live with the industry and movement of both Lacazette and Ramsey. As soon both players came on to the field, you could sense that Arsenal could turn things around. Those substitutions gave Arsenal gave a turbo-charge and boy, was it massively effective.
It was said the true test of Emery’s work would come when they faced their closest rivals. This was an examination they passed with flying colours. Onward and Upwards for Unai Emery and his Arsenal side.
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