Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal: Gunners survive second-half scare to strengthen EPL top spot
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates with the fans after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Premier League leaders, Arsenal, survived a second-half scare at Tottenham to hold on for a 3-2 north London derby victory that cemented their place at the top.
A 23-minute first-half blitz saw the Gunners race into a 3-0 lead through a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg headed own goal, Bukayo Saka finish and Kai Havertz header.
But with Arsenal in total control, a 64th-minute howler by goalkeeper David Raya allowed Cristian Romero to pull one back.
An 87th-minute Heung-Min Son penalty then set up a nervy finish for the Gunners, who withstood Spurs’ late pressure to hold on and move four points clear of Manchester City.
Tottenham, meanwhile, suffered a second consecutive defeat to fall seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in a further blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Arsenal made the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium full of confidence after the midweek thrashing of London rivals Chelsea, but amid an electric atmosphere, it was Spurs who made a bright start.
The win, according to OptaJoe, means “Arsenal have won consecutive top-flight away games against Tottenham for the first time since September 1988 (three under George Graham). Prior to this, they had only won two of their previous 17 away games against Spurs in the Premier League (D6 L9). Pride.”
Sky Sports
