Arsenal secured all three points as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the North London derby, an impressive result given the circumstances.
Mikel Arteta was missing several key players as Arsenal travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his side were resolute defensively and kept a clean sheet to seal the win after Gabriel Magalhaes headed in from a corner in the second half.
The game also saw Raheem Sterling come on for his Arsenal debut, in a rare event where a player makes his club debut in this heated fixture.
One player who did make his debut in the North London derby was Danny Rose, who scored a screamer for Tottenham in a win against Arsenal. The defender went on to have a solid career at Spurs, but was always disliked by Gunners fans.
However, fans will enjoy what Rose has had to say about the latest victory over Spurs, which meant that for the first time since 1988, Arsenal have won three consecutive away North London derbies.
Danny Rose admits Arsenal deserved to beat Tottenham
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rose admitted that Arsenal deserved to beat his former side.
“I just think after twenty minutes, Arsenal sort of said ‘is this is this all you’ve got,’ and yeah they just look incredible,” Rose stated.
“They look like they enjoy defending, enjoy getting there first on the crosses. And yes I think Spurs – I won’t say they were unlucky, but I think Arsenal definitely deserved the win.”
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It was fairly tight game, but Gabriel Martinelli did squander a huge chance for Arsenal in the first-half, whilst the Gunners also kept Spurs at bay superbly despite missing Declan Rice’s defensive presence.
Danny Rose praises William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes after North London derby
Rose went on to praise the performances of defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, who were imperious at the back for Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, whilst highlighting that Spurs had to take advantage of their initially dominant opening 20 minutes.
“100% [When asked if Spurs had to take advantage of the first 20 minutes]. Especially when you’re playing against an Arsenal team where the goalkeeper won the Golden Glove last season,” he added.
“Gabriel and Saliba just look incredible together, they look like they really do enjoy defending, and Spurs had to capitalise on the first 15-20 minutes.”
Arsenal were the better team overall with the bigger chances, and despite sitting back after taking the lead, the sheer quality of their defending meant Spurs did not even come close to scoring.