Arsenal claimed a gritty 2-1 win over Tottenham in a pulsating North London derby at the Emirates.

The game started as many expected, with Arsenal dominating from the opening whistle.

With Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard constantly causing problems, Spurs struggled to cope with the intensity of the hosts. But despite Arsenal’s early pressure and flurry of corners, it was Tottenham who struck first.

Heung-min Son broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. After a failed clearance from Arsenal, the Spurs captain pounced on a loose ball and fired a deflected strike past wrong-footed goalkeeper David Ryan.

It was Son’s sixth league goal of the season and a reminder of his clinical edge in big games.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Arsenal equalized just 15 minutes later with a disallowed effort following a set piece.

Gabriel rose highest to meet Odegaard’s corner, and his header ricocheted off Dominic Solanke and into the back of the net for an own goal.

Full time. pic.twitter.com/7aoQM1Kizo

– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025

The Emirates broke out, and the momentum swung in the Gunners’ favour.

Moments later, Arsenal completed the turnaround. A quick counter-attack saw Odegaard pick out Trossard with a perfectly weighted pass from the left.

The Belgian broke into the box and delivered a low, powerful strike that went past Spurs’ young goalkeeper, Antonin Kinski, into the bottom corner.

Tottenham made attacking changes in the second half, introducing James Maddison and Brennan Johnson in an attempt to get back into the game.

Despite enjoying more possession as the game progressed, Spurs struggled to create clear chances.

Their best chance came in stoppage time when Pedro Porro’s powerful effort from a tight angle hit the post in the dying seconds.

Arsenal remained dangerous on the counter and forced Kinski into some impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Mikel Arteta’s side managed the closing stages expertly, with experienced substitutes Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Marino adding control.

The final whistle confirmed a vital three points for the Gunners, who move to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

For Spurs, it was another disappointing outing at the Emirates, with Ange Postecoglou’s side showing glimpses of promise but ultimately undone by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.