NBC Sports

LONDON – It wasn’t pretty but Arsenal’s resolute 1-0 win away at bitter rivals Tottenham once again proved they have absolutely everything in place to push Manchester City all the way for the Premier League title.

There is now undisputed steel to their silky swagger and their depleted squad stepped up to kick off a massive week.

Next up in the Premier League for injury-hit Arsenal is a trip to Manchester City on Sunday in a mouthwatering clash between the title rivals who sit first and second in the table heading into the weekend.

Speaking to reporters after the win at Spurs, captain for the day Jorginho was asked if Arsenal’s players are keeping a close eye on City demolishing teams to start the season and Erling Haaland scoring nine goals from his first four games?

“Erling scoring again, it is starting to make us laugh!” Jorginho said, laughing, probably out of respect and a little bit of fear. “We look [at City’s games] because we look at all the games and we love football. We love the Premier League so we watch all the games to be fair. We watch them as well, which is normal. Again it doesn’t get to our head. We need to focus on us and that is what we are trying to do.”

Arsenal’s squad players step up, pragmatic Plan B being perfected

With key players missing for the derby win at Spurs -- Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino to name four -- Arsenal changed their style of play as they accepted they would have less possession and instead launched counters.

Players put their egos aside, sat deep to defend and did all of the dirty things to get a gutsy away win.

Jorginho lauded his teammates for stepping up when so many key players were missing and called for them to keep putting the team first.

“We know it is a long season and anything can happen,” Jorginho said. “Everybody needs to be ready. That is what we try to do. We are very positive and trust our group and what we are doing. We need to keep on this way.”

Switching up their style of play to be more defensive and pragmatic in certain situations is a blueprint they’ve been developing for some time and perhaps it’s best remembered for their stodgy, ultra-defensive display at Man City last season as they drew 0-0 at the Etihad.

We know Arsenal are capable of tearing your apart with wonderful flowing football but they have now improved in pretty much every aspect of the game and can beat you another way.

Have Arsenal improved since last season?

Is the mental side of the game, to dig in and grind out a result while not being able to play at your free-flowing best, something that Jorginho believes Arsenal have improved since last season?

“I think so. I think the team is working together, going through the process together,” Jorginho explained. “You learn more about each other. You just get better because everyone wants to improve and wants the best for the team. We you put the team in first place I think just good things can happen.”

Given that Arsenal go to Manchester City two points behind them in the table already (City have started with four wins from four) Jorginho was asked about the mentality of basically having to win every game to stay in touch with the team which has won four-straight Premier League titles.

“Yeah, if you want to achieve big things you need to have the mentality of trying to win every single game,” Jorginho said. “That is what we need to do and that is what we want to do. That is what we are trying to do… You need to keep in this way. Keep believing in what you are doing. We are believing in what we are doing and we keep working hard to improve on what we need to improve and keep doing right the things we are doing right. I think we are on the right way and we need to keep it going.”

Arsenal are truly up for the fight

Before their trip to Man City, Arsenal’s stretched squad have the not-so-small matter of heading to dangerous Serie A side Atalanta on Thursday to kick off their Champions League game.

“It will be a really tough and physical game. They are a very physical team. It is not going to be easy, for sure. A hot atmosphere in Italy. We need to be ready for another battle,” Jorginho said.

For many years we would have questioned if Arsenal were up for the battle. Not anymore.

LONDON — A tight, fiery north London derby played out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, where Arsenal beat Spurs 1-0 to make a big statement early in the season.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had so many key absentees and Gabriel’s header secured a big win for them to take their tally to 10 points from four games. It was a resolute, professional display from the Gunners.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham created plenty of chances, dominated the ball for vast swathes of the game and will be feeling like they could’ve taken all three points. They will be happy with their performance but unhappy to slump to a second-straight defeat as they have just four points from their first four games of the season.

Here’s a look at what we learned from Tottenham vs Arsenal.

Gunners squad much stronger than we thought

Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney were all missing from Arsenal’s squad on Sunday, but they found a way to grab an impressive derby win. They weren’t at their fluid best, missing the duo of Odegaard and Rice massively in central midfield, but Arteta’s players were pragmatic as the manager dug deep into his squad and adapted his playing style accordingly as they ceded possession. The likes of Jorginho, Martinelli, Timber, Trossard and Partey, all of whom can be considered fringe players in a fully-fit squad, did a solid job to paper over the absentees. Arsenal’s bench was littered with teenagers but had Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling coming off the bench late on to help see the victory over the line. With a tricky test at Atalanta to come this Thursday followed by a massive trip to Manchester City next Sunday, Arteta’s squad will be stretched to its absolute limits this week. It’s not ideal but this early-season injury crisis has showcased that Arsenal’s squad is so much stronger than we actually thought. That will be very pleasing for Arteta given the long slog ahead as they hunt Manchester City.

Pressure is building on Solanke

Dominic Solanke played like a player who knows he cost $85 million this summer. He has yet to get off the mark for Tottenham and two moments summed up his rigidness, as Spurs’ goalscoring issues continue. In the first half Spurs won the ball back on the edge of the box and Solanke was in. He had a free shot on goal inside the box. But he had his head down, couldn’t sort out his feet and Arsenal cleared before he could get his shot away. Late in the second half Maddison slotted him in but Solanke again couldn’t sort his feet out and the chance evaporated. On both occasions huge groans echoed around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and they will grow louder as Solanke continues to look like he’s running through treacle. Lofty expectations already appear to be weighing him down and it’s spreading to Spurs’ entire attack as both Heung-min Son and James Maddison looked leggy and just off it. Everything up until the final third was pretty good from Spurs but lacking a clinical edge is becoming a worrying trend at the start of this season.

Timber is perfect for this Arsenal side

Tottenham and Arsenal collide in a massive north London derby on Sunday, as both teams need to make a statement early in the campaign.

WATCH TOTTENHAM v ARSENAL LIVE

Spurs have picked up four points from their first three games, as Ange Postecoglou’s side are struggling with their clinical edge and they cost them in a draw at Leicester and a defeat at Newcastle so far this season. Heung-min Son continues to be their main man but the likes of James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner really need to step up, while Dominic Solanke’s injury has hampered his start to life at Spurs. Influential center back Micky van de Ven is also battling to be fit, while Postecoglou will be hoping Spurs are ruthless and clinical and can make the most of Arsenal being banged up.

Arsenal have plenty of injuries and absentees to worry about ahead of this huge game, with captain Martin Odegaard suffering an ankle injury during the international break which is expected to keep him out of this game, their Champions League opener against Atalanta and most-likely their trip to Manchester City next Sunday (September 22) too. Declan Rice is missing through suspension and new signing Mikel Merino is out with a shoulder injury, while fellow new addition Riccardo Calafiori is also battling to be fit after picking up a knock during the international break. Arsenal have seven points on the board from nine to start the season but lost their focus in their wild draw against Brighton before the break. They have to keep their cool in the cauldron of a NLD this weekend.

How to watch Tottenham vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 9am ET Sunday (September 15)

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

TV Channel: USA Network

Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com

Tottenham focus, team news

If all four players who are battling with injury are fit, this is a massive opportunity for Tottenham. Solanke gives them a focal point up top and seems like a great fit for their system and we all know about the importance of Van de Ven as his pace at the back allows Spurs to play their ridiculously high defensive line. Bissouma alongside Sarr in midfield is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the north London derby and Postecoglou will be feeling like this is the perfect time for his side to make a statement early in the season as they aim to finish in the top four. Spurs have created so many chances during their opening three games but haven’t taken them as they slipped up against Leicester and Newcastle. They have to be clinical this Sunday against a usually stingy Arsenal.

QUESTIONABLE: Dominic Solanke (ankle), Micky van de Ven (knee), Yves Bissouma (other), Richarlison (other)

Arsenal focus, team news

With Rice definitely out and Odegaard seeming to be very likely out, the big selection dilemma is who will start in central midfield. It seems like Thomas Partey and Jorginho will get the nod, with perhaps Leandro Trossard dropping into a central No. 10 role behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli starting on the left wing. Or of course new signing Raheem Sterling could make his debut and become an instant hero. Those switches would provide the least disruption to the team. Jurrien Timber could also start alongside Partey and Jorginho could start higher with Trossard starting out on the left. Even with their injury issues, Arsenal still have a deep squad and it will be stretched to its limits over the next week with big trips to Tottenham, Atalanta and Man City coming up.

Nick Pope made six saves as Newcastle United flustered wasteful Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Sunday in a match-up of two Premier League sides with top-four dreams at St. James’ Park.

Harvey Barnes gave the Magpies a first-half lead and Alexander Isak delivered a second-half winner against the run of play to improve Newcastle’s unbeaten record to 2-1-0.

WATCH FULL REPLAY

Spurs sink to 1-1-1 after taking 20 shots off 66% of the ball but only finding the score sheet via a Dan Burn own goal.

Spurs took 12 of their shots in the second half, a frame in which they had eight corner kicks, but Pope made some sensational saves and Tottenham was just an inch or two off the mark so many times.

Absences keep game in balance for both sides

Two teams who like to play the game were limited in one part of the field, and that led to a lot of chances without finish. Spurs did not have access to Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, and it’s not wild to say one of them could’ve turned one of the visitors’ 20 shot attempts into goals. And Newcastle is still waiting out Fabian Schar’s suspension while fellow center back Sven Botman continues his recovery from an ACL injury. The Magpies deployed Dan Burn with Emil Krafth at center back and while both were fine it certainly hurt the team’s plans to keep the ball. Sandro Tonali changed the game a little when he came on for Sean Longstaff, and the reverse fixture will be one to watch. That’s not to say this match wasn’t fun, but both Eddie Howe and Ange Postecoglou will prefer a different viewing experience.

Newcastle vs Tottenham player ratings

(from fotmob.com)

Lloyd Kelly was very good at left back while Nick Pope’s heroics were well-detailed in other parts of this piece. Spurs didn’t have any passengers but their center forward play lacked, well, a center forward.

What’s next?

The international break. Then: Spurs host Arsenal in the North London derby at 9am ET Sunday (Sept. 15) and then go to Coventry City in the League Cup.

Newcastle go to Wolves at 11:30am on Sunday, Sept. 15 before a League Cup visit to AFC Wimbledon.

How to watch Newcastle vs Tottenham live, stream link and start time

Kickoff time: 8:30 am ET Sunday (Sept. 1)

Venue: St. James’ Park

TV Channel: USA Network

Streaming:Watch live online via NBC.com

Newcastle vs Tottenham live updates — by Nick Mendola

Newcastle vs Tottenham Hotspur final score: 2-1

Harvey Barnes 37', Dan Burn o.g. 56', Alexander Isak 78'

Out of nothing, the hosts go back in front! Newcastle 2-1 Spurs (78th minute)

Somehow, the Magpies weather the storm and score on the counter.

Jacob Murphy gets behind the Spurs back line and puts the ball across the 18 on a plate for Alexander Isak.

The Swede won’t miss often from there.

Pope saves from distance!

James Maddison curls a hard shot toward the upper 90.

He’s got Pope cooked but the shot is just a bit too central and allows the ex-Burnley keeper to make a very good two-handed save.

Spurs all over Newcastle.

Here come the subs

Sandro Tonali gets a very warm reception in subbing in for Sean Longstaff for a first Premier League match since his near-year-long suspension for gambling.

Lewis Hall replaces Lloyd Kelly as well. The Magpies needed a change. They get two.

Magpies finally slow momentum

It’s been all Spurs in the second half, but substitute Jacob Murphy has won a corner.

The Magpies get nothing out of it but keep the ball for about a minute before blasting a ball out of their back right to Spurs.

The Magpies need to keep the ball somehow and it may takes subs.

Tottenham level! Newcastle 1-1 Spurs (56th minute)

This has been coming, and it’s substitute Brennan Johnson who prods a Newcastle own goal.

Nick Pope makes a save on James Maddison’s drive and shot, but Johnson is at the back post to slide the rebound back on frame.

Pope gets a apiece of it, but Dan Burn can’t see the ball going wide and clears it into the roof of his goal.

One switch for Spurs

Pape Sarr exits for Brennan Johnson. Sarr was on yellow — like three Newcastle players — but this is also an attacking move from Ange Postecoglou.

Halftime — Newcastle 1-0 Spurs

There has been entertainment, for sure, with lots of energy, plenty of fouling, the Newcastle goal, and Spurs having an early marker chalked off for a clear offside.

It could be anyone’s game, but Newcastle have found a moment of magic and Spurs are yet to do so. There could be a bunch of goals in this.

Magpies break through! Newcastle 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (37th minute)

Lloyd Kelly knifes a cross into the heart of the Spurs box from the left and Harvey Barnes is there.

It’s a really nice finish, a quick redirection that leaves Vicario with very little hope of anything but the ball going wide.

It doesn’t. 1-0 to the hosts.

Spurs find the front foot

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope’s been called upon to make a solid save.

Spurs have really found their game after a first 15-20 minutes that was almost all about the hosts.

Referee injury

Get ready for longer stoppage time after 45 as we’re in a bit of a delay.

Fourth official Darren Bond will have to take on a bigger role as assistant referee following a reported thigh injury amongst the crew.

Isak fools Vicario but not the post

It’s difficult to fool inanimate objects, Alexander.

Isak wins the ball back from Heung-min Son deep in Spurs territory and lofts a surprise shot from an acute angle, catching Guglielmo Vicario too far forward.

It clanks off the top of the far post to keep it scoreless.

Newcastle vs Tottenham Hotspur team news

Lots of Newcastle changes from the midweek League Cup win, with Sandro Tonali’s trip back to the bench the biggest surprise. Fabian Schar is still out through suspsension. Spurs are without Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke, giving big chances to Radu Dragusin and Wilson Odobert.

Newcastle United lineup

Pope, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Barnes, Gordon, Isak

Tottenham Hotspur lineup

Vicario, Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son, Odobert.

Newcastle focus, team news

OUT: Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Lewis Miley (ankle), Callum Wilson (back), Fabian Schar (suspension), Martin Dubravka (concussion) | QUESTIONABLE: Joe Willock (thigh)

Sandro Tonali is expected to make his first Premier League appearance since last October, when he was given a 10-month ban for betting on football. The Italian and his new club got off to a flying start in August and September before the suspension came down and quickly derailed the season a half-dozen different ways. The midfield is significantly strengthened by Tonali’s return, forming one of the PL’s best trios alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but Eddie Howe’s side was short on defenders before Fabian Schar was sent off and banned for three games. Marc Guehi’s transfer from Crystal Palace hangs in the balance on deadline day and would likely come too late to help the team on Sunday.

Tottenham focus, team news

OUT: Dominic Solanke (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Destiny Udogie (undisclosed), Micky van de Ven (knee)

Postecoglou made three key changes to his team from week 1 to 2: Yves Bissouma was brought back into the team from club suspension; Dejan Kulusevski was paired up with James Maddison in midfield; and Wilson Odobert took to the left wing after signing from Burnley earlier in the week. All three players were excellent against Everton and will be very difficult for Postecoglou to drop based on performance. Defender Micky van de Ven tweaked his knee in a scary situation but finished the game and is expected to be available this weekend.

Newcastle vs Tottenham prediction

Arsenal's 'resilience' shines through v. Villa

Ahmed Fareed, Robbie Earle, and Robbie Mustoe analyze Arsenal's impressive performance against Aston Villa to keep pace with the top of the table in Matchweek 2.

Extended HLs: Aston Villa v. Arsenal Matchweek 2

Relive Aston Villa's Matchweek 2 showdown against Arsenal, where the Gunners were able to escape Villa Park with all three points thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.

Partey doubles Arsenal's lead against Aston Villa

Thomas Partey drills a long-range effort past Emiliano Martinez to make it 2-0 for the Gunners against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Trossard nets Arsenal's go-ahead goal v. Villa

Just moments after coming on the pitch, Leandro Trossard gives Arsenal their breakthrough against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Extended HLs: Fulham v. Leicester City Matchweek 2

Look back on Fulham and Leicester City's back-and-forth battle at Craven Cottage, where Alex Iwobi's second-half finish proved to be the winner for the Cottagers in Matchweek 2.

Extended HLs: Man City v. Ipswich Town Matchweek 2

Ipswich Town got off to a dream start in the first half, but Erling Haaland's hat-trick was enough to keep The Tractor Boys at bay en route to an impressive 4-1 win at the Etihad.

Extended HLs: Southampton v. Forest Matchweek 2

A second-half strike from Morgan Gibbs-White proved to be the difference for Nottingham Forest as they secure all three points against Southampton at St. Mary's.

Extended HLs: Crystal Palace v. West Ham MWK 2

Second-half goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen were enough to hold off Crystal Palace to pick up all three points at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham Hotspur aim to shake off a disappointing draw with Everton must erase a brutal home opener as Week 2 asks plenty from both sides in North London (Watch live online at 10am ET Saturday, streaming via Premier League on Peacock).

Spurs surprised when they failed to take all three points at Leicester City in Week 1, and Everton were smashed at home by Brighton.

WATCH TOTTENHAM vs EVERTON LIVE

Spurs were dominant in the first half at Leicester City, and manager Ange Postecoglou lamented that his team weren’t comfortably ahead by halftime. Instead, a 1-0 lead turned into a draw through Jamie Vardy as Tottenham had to defend down the stretch against a newly-promoted side.

Everton was 2-0 down when Ashley Young was shown a red card in the 66th minute. While their 3-0 loss was a function of Brighton taking their chances in style, Toffees boss Sean Dyche won’t be accepting excuses given his defensive expectations.

How to watch Tottenham vs Everton, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

TV channel: Peacock Premium

Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

Tottenham team news, focus

New signing Dominic Solanke was tidy and solid with his 35 touches over 90 minutes, but will have expected more from his three shots than no goals. Heung-min Son and James Maddison were much busier with the ball, and Maddison assisted Pedro Porro’s goal and certainly wants to charge up the Premier League assist board.

Everton team news, focus

Saturday was an off day for most of the Everton team, and pressure continues to weigh on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His 0.01 xG+xA against Brighton — on just 20 touches — was so poor, and he needs to be more like the guy who scored four goals in his last seven games last season than the guy who has one goal every five or so matches since his 16-goal Premier League campaign in 2020-21.

Tottenham vs Everton prediction

Year 2 of the Ange Postecoglou era begins on Monday (3 pm ET), when a youthful Tottenham team takes on newly promoted Leicester City at King Power Stadium.

WATCH LEICESTER vs TOTTENHAM LIVE

It would appear that Tottenham’s no. 1 (and 2 and 3) objective this summer was to flip the age profile of the team, given the significant physical demands that Postecolgou’s system places upon players. New tires have more tread, and Ange intends to burn rubber. Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert, Archie Gray and Yang Min-hyuk are four of Spurs’ five first-team signings (thus far), and all four are teenagers expected to contribute as subs early on and push for starting places by season’s end. Tottenham have operated in a very precise, targeted manner this summer, and it’s hard not to see the next generation of Tottenham coming together.

Leicester are back in the big time after winning the EFL Championship a year after being relegated from the Premier League in 2023, but they are back without the coach that guided them to promotion (Enzo Maresca went to Chelsea this summer) or the standout midfielder who chipped in 12 goals and 14 assists last season, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also went to Chelsea.

How to watch Leicester vs Tottenham, stream link and start time

Kickoff time: 3 pm ET, Monday (August 19)

Venue: King Power Stadium

TV channel: USA Network

Streaming: Watch via NBC.com

Leicester team news, focus

OUT: Jamie Vardy (undisclosed), Conor Coady (undisclosed) | QUESTIONABLE: Patson Daka (ankle)

Tottenham team news, focus

OUT: Yves Bissouma (club suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Richarlison (calf), Fraser Forser (ankle)

Leicester vs Tottenham prediction

Relive Tottenham's late comeback against Luton Town, where Heung-Min Son's heroics guided Spurs to victory in Matchweek 30.

Tottenham host Luton on Saturday as Spurs will be hoping to momentarily move into fourth place in the Premier League table.

Rodrigo Muniz stole the spotlight at Craven Cottage as his brace helped guide Fulham to a stunning victory over Tottenham in Matchweek 29.