Clive Thabo Dube-Reporter
THE Gunners remain at the summit of the English Premier League (EPL) after claiming maximum points this Sunday against cross town arch- rivals Tottenham Hotspurs on Match Day 35.
The win saw Mikel Arteta win his 100th league game as a manager
Arsenal came into the local derby clash oozing with confidence after thrashing Chelsea 5- 0 in the midweek. But Tottenham Hotspurs under pressure for UEFA Champions League qualification fought fiercely.
Despite the good start from the home side, Arsenal took an early lead in the first quarter through an own goal from Pierre- Emile Hojbjerg.
The match up became an end to end attack play with Spurs seeking an equalizer which never came into fruition in the first half. The Gunners held back Ange Postecoglou’s men, until Arsenal’s talisman Bukayo Saka who found himself onside doubled the visitors lead before the half hour mark.
Hojbjerg performance in the first half proved to be below par, twisting the game to Arteta’s men. Who are keeping their title hopes alive.
After the second goal, Mikel Arteta’s charges played with more rhythm.
Kai Havertz who assisted his side’s second goal headed in the 3rd goal from close range in the 39th minute. Postecoglou’s team played an entertaining football in the first half, unfortunately for them they went into the interval trailing three goals to nill.
Coming into the second half, shambolic mistakes from Declan Rice and David Raya cost the Gunners two goals. With Cristian Romero capitalizing from Raya’s untimely clearance after the hour mark (64) and Son Heung- Min scored from the penalty spot (86) respectively.
Is spurs facing another trophyless season?
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which has been under fire from England managers denied Spurs their first goal and the home side were denied two clear penalty opportunities. Shattering the North London side’s dream of UEFA Champions League spot. But Arsenal who are log leaders with 80 points confirmed their desire to end the 20 year league title drought.
Meanwhile Manchester City are second with 79 points after winning 2- 0 against Nottingham Forest on the same day.
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