The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham has always been a fiercely contested and passionate encounter. The latest installment of this rivalry was no exception, as Arsenal came out on top with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals. This win was all the more impressive given that the Gunners were without key midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, who were absent through injury and suspension.
Despite being without two of their most influential players, Arsenal showed great defensive determination and organization to shut out Spurs in the second half. This victory was a testament to the team’s ability to mix it up and adapt to different situations, as they showed that they can be just as effective playing with a more defensive mindset as they are with their usual free-flowing style.
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who was watching the game for Match of the Day 2, was full of praise for the team’s performance. “It really doesn’t matter how they got it – it was a great result for Arsenal,” Walcott said. “They showed again that they can mix it up, because they played almost like a Jose Mourinho side to see the game out.”
Arsenal’s victory was even more impressive considering that they were without two of their most influential players. Jorginho, making his first appearance of the season, replaced Rice and partnered Thomas Partey at the base of their midfield. Leandro Trossard, starting instead of Odegaard, operated further forward but also had plenty of defensive responsibilities.
Same Old Story – Arsenal Expose Spurs’ Flaws Again
Tottenham’s inability to create clear-cut chances in the closing stages of the game was a familiar sight for Spurs fans. Despite firing a stream of balls into the Arsenal box, they were unable to find any gaps in the Gunners’ back-line. This was a testament to Arsenal’s defensive organization and determination, as they were able to shut out their opponents and grind out a hard-fought victory.
Walcott felt that Spurs went away from their usual game, which surprised him. “I felt like Spurs went away from their usual game, which surprised me – the way Ange Postecoglou usually plays football is incredible, but I didn’t really see that from them,” he said. “Maybe he thought he would try something different too, but it did not quite work. They put in a lot of crosses but because this Arsenal team are so well drilled, it just fed into what they are good at.”
Mikel Arteta’s side were able to shut out Spurs in the second half, particularly after Gabriel had headed home Bukayo Saka’s corner. This was the latest example of Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces, which have brought them more goals (23) than any other Premier League team since the start of last season.
The Importance of Set-Pieces in Modern Football
Set-pieces have become an increasingly important part of modern football, as teams are now more aware than ever of the potential for goals from dead-ball situations. Arsenal’s latest win was a testament to the team’s work on the training ground, as they have clearly spent a lot of time practicing and perfecting their set-piece routines.
Walcott felt that Arsenal’s coaches have made a huge difference in terms of the team’s preparation and organization. “When I was playing it was just the day before the game when you would work on set-pieces, but Arsenal do it all week,” he said. “When I watched them in pre-season, they were even doing it then. They are so important, they started this process in the summer, rather than just getting the players fit.”
Arsenal’s Well-Drilled Defense
Arsenal’s defensive organization was one of the key factors in their victory over Spurs. The team’s ability to shut out their opponents and grind out a hard-fought victory was a testament to their work on the training ground.
Walcott felt that Arsenal’s defense was reminiscent of Mourinho’s Chelsea side, which was known for its solidity and organization. “It was like watching Mourinho’s Chelsea side, and I used to hate playing against them,” he said. “They were so well structured, with the likes of John Terry, Alex or Branislav Ivanovic, who were all incredible units in that back-line, and would organize everything.”
How a ‘Savvy’ Set-Piece Helped Arsenal Beat Spurs
Arsenal’s victory over Spurs was largely down to a well-executed set-piece, as Gabriel headed home Bukayo Saka’s corner in the 64th minute. This was the latest example of Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces, which have brought them more goals (23) than any other Premier League team since the start of last season.
Walcott felt that Arsenal’s coaches have made a huge difference in terms of the team’s preparation and organization. “The key is the time they spend on these situations, every single day,” he said. “When I was playing it was just the day before the game when you would work on set-pieces, but Arsenal do it all week.”
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger once said, “the set-piece is an essential part of the modern game” (Wikipedia). Arsenal’s latest win was a testament to the team’s work on the training ground, as they have clearly spent a lot of time practicing and perfecting their set-piece routines.
Arsenal’s Options in Midfield
Arsenal’s victory over Spurs was even more impressive considering that they were without two of their most influential midfielders. Jorginho, making his first appearance of the season, replaced Declan Rice and partnered Thomas Partey at the base of their midfield. Leandro Trossard, starting instead of Martin Odegaard, operated further forward but also had plenty of defensive responsibilities.
Walcott felt that Arsenal’s midfield options are now more varied than ever. “It’s hard to compare them, because they are all different players,” he said. “Trossard, for me, is probably the best finisher at the club – but Odegaard is the conductor, the one who gets everything working and gets everyone in the team working at their best level.”
Ethan Nwaneri, who came on late in the second half, has some similarities as a player to Odegaard. “Ethan Nwaneri has some similarities as a player but at 17 he is still very young and still developing and learning,” Walcott said. “In time he could be the one who takes Odegaard’s role when he is not available but, whoever comes in, it is going to be hard to replace him.”