In the high-stakes clash of the north London derby, Arsenal emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win over bitter rivals Tottenham, affirming their mettle in the Premier League title race, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal surged ahead with a commanding three-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal, Bukayo Saka’s strike, and Kai Havertz’s decisive header. However, Tottenham staged a late resurgence, with Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min finding the net, setting up a tense finale.
Despite the late scare, Arsenal managed to hold onto their lead, demonstrating resilience under pressure. Arteta commended his team’s response to adversity, emphasizing the importance of character and determination in such crucial moments.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta expressed confidence in Arsenal’s ability to sustain their title challenge, highlighting the narrow margins that define success in the fiercely competitive league. He urged his players to stay focused and continue striving for improvement, with upcoming fixtures posing new challenges.
Arteta reserved special praise for Havertz, whose impactful performance despite illness showcased his commitment to the team’s cause. The German’s contributions, including a crucial assist and a clinical header, earned him accolades from his manager.
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou lamented his side’s costly errors, particularly in defending set-pieces, which proved detrimental to their chances. With Champions League qualification slipping further away, Postecoglou emphasized the need for his team to address their shortcomings and bounce back stronger.
As Arsenal celebrates their historic victory, both teams are left with valuable lessons to learn and areas to improve as the Premier League title race intensifies.
Read more – https://tribune.com.pk/story/2464417/arsenal-can-cope-with-pressure-of-beautiful-title-challenge-arteta
