adminTWICE in their grand old history, Arsenal have won the league at White Hart Lane.
And this North London Derby victory might almost have felt like a third time.
Mikel Arteta’s men are not even halfway through their Premier League campaign but this was a hugely significant triumph – one which may be pinpointed as the most crucial of the lot if they are crowned champions of England for the first time in 19 years.
It had deep meaning because it gave Arsenal an eight-point lead of the summit, the day after Manchester City had capitulated in their own derby.
But this was even more critical for Arsenal’s self-belief because of the way they choked here in a 3-0 drubbing last May and eventually surrendered the final Champions League place to Spurs.
The 1971 Double-winners and the 2004 Invicibles both clinched the crown at the old Lane, just yards away from the shiny £1billion bearpit which greeted them.
This was the first time Arsenal had even avoided defeat at Tottenham’s new gaff – but their first half display possessed the assuredness of potential champions.
A Hugo Lloris own goal and a Martin Odegaard long-ranger clinched the Gunners their first Premier League away win over Spurs in nine years.
It was confirmation that the balance of power in this neck of the woods has swung their way after six seasons of finishing beneath their bitter rivals.
There was a swagger about Arsenal when they had the ball, and a relentless when they were out of possession, which suggested Arteta’s young side are capable of going the distance.
Next Sunday, they face a resurgent Manchester United – the only team to have defeated them in the league this season – and next month they face City.
There won’t be any over-confidence in Arteta’s camp unless and until they have won those two – but with City out of sorts and Liverpool a busted flush, the Gunners must be considered favourites to win the title now. Nobody saw this coming. Not when they were on the brink of a relegation battle two years ago or when they thrashed here in the biggest North London derby in years just eight months ago.
So immense credit must go to Arteta and those in the Arsenal hierarchy who backed him in the darkest days when all talk of a bright future under the Spaniard sounded like the effects of hallucinogenic substances.
For Antonio Conte’s men – now five points adrift of the top four having played a game more than United – this was frustrating and chastening. – The Sun.
Online Reporter