Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League table after a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium, completing their fifth league double over their bitter rivals.
Following back-to-back cup defeats against Newcastle United and Manchester United, doubts loomed over Arsenal’s ability to challenge for major trophies. However, the Gunners entered the North London derby determined to revive their faltering title bid.
In contrast, Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, faced far grimmer prospects, trailing Arsenal by 16 points ahead of the clash.
Despite their struggles, Spurs held firm early on, with Radu Drăgușin blocking Leandro Trossard’s shot and debutant Antonín Kinský recovering after a shaky clearance under pressure from Kai Havertz.
As Tottenham grew into the game, David Raya had to intervene to deny Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs capitalized soon after, with Son Heung-min breaking the deadlock. A corner delivery found the Spurs captain, whose deflected strike left Raya stranded and silenced the home crowd.
Arsenal responded strongly and equalized when Gabriel Magalhães rose to meet Declan Rice’s corner, with a hefty deflection off Dominic Solanke wrong-footing Kinský.
Trossard then completed the turnaround before halftime, drilling a low angled strike that slipped through Kinský’s grasp.
The Gunners pushed for a third after the break, but Havertz squandered two golden chances, heading wide and then shooting straight at Kinský. Declan Rice nearly punished Spurs’ defensive frailty with a mazy run, but his effort was also saved.
Later, Kieran Tierney set up Martin Ødegaard, only for the Norwegian to miss from close range.
Arsenal’s resilience ultimately secured a crucial three points, bringing them within four of league leaders Liverpool, though having played one game more.
This victory also marked their third consecutive Premier League derby win over Tottenham—a streak last achieved between 1987 and 1989.
For Spurs, their woes deepened as they slipped to 13th in the table, with just one win in their last nine league games.
