Arsenal avoid late scare in North London derby to keep title hopes alive
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Arsenal avoid late scare in North London derby || Imago

Arsenal avoid late scare in North London derby to keep title hopes alive

Stephen Oladehinde 16:06 - 28.04.2024

Arsenal made a huge statement in the North London derby against Tottenham as they beat Spurs in their backyard.

The Gunners were oozing with confidence from their last game after thrashing their London rivals Chelsea 5-0.

Arsenal had a solid performance in the first half with a 3-0 advantage against Tottenham but almost lost in the second half. However, they were able to see out a 3-2 win against their rival. 

As it happened 

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou made three changes to the side who lost 4-0 to Newcastle 15 days ago.

Destiny Udogie will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury and Ben Davies replaces him in defence. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dejan Kulusevski also come into the starting line-up.

Arsenal are unchanged from the side who defeated London rivals Chelsea 5-0 last Tuesday in their hunt for the Premier League title.

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It was a comfortable start for the Gunners as they caused problems for Tottenham's defence leading to two goals in the space of 20 minutes.

The first goal came from a corner when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tried to clear the ball but only managed to send it past his own goalkeeper.

Tottenham pushed forward for an equaliser and got it but it was ruled out for an offside on Micky Van De Ven.

Trossard marking Son in the North London Derby || Imago
Trossard marking Son in the North London Derby || Imago

Shortly after, Arsenal made it 2-0 after Dejan Kulusevski lost his footing inside the Gunners box which led to a counter. 

Bukayo Saka is in acres of space and cuts inside before producing one of the most composed finishes you will see.

Mikel Arteta’s team kept cool and added the game's third goal from another corner kick with Kai Havertz scoring a simple header from close range to end the first half in style for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz scores Arsenal Third goal || Imago
Kai Havertz scores Arsenal Third goal || Imago

The second half started and Arsenal were looking comfortable and in control of the game until David Raya gifted Tottenham a lifeline.

The Arsenal keeper switched off and passed straight to a Spurs player allowing Cristian Romero to fire past Raya.

Another mistake from Arsenal gifting Tottenham a penalty after a foul in the box by Declan Rice who volleyed Ben Davies.

Son sloted the ball past Raya for Tottenham's second goal. Arsenal held on for the remaining minutes in the game and sealed a 3-2 win against their rivals.

The win takes Arsenal closer to the Premeir League title with just three game left to play in the season.

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