Aveek Chaudhuri, March 15, 2021

The North London derby did not disappoint this time as it had everything: a spectacular goal, a penalty, and a red card. On Sunday, Arsenal defeated Tottenham 2-1 after a solid performance by the Gunnars to defeat their primary rivals. Spurs's Erik Lamela got the first goal in the 33'minute with a beautiful rabona goal through the legs of Thomas Partey and past Bernd Leno to put Jose Mourinho's men up 1-0. However, that didn't last long as soon, Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's player on loan from Real Madrid, levelled the score in the 44' minute and then in the 64' minute, Alexandre Lacazette sealed the win with a penalty goal. Tottenham tried to get back in the game but were ultimately setback with a Lamela red card in the 76' minute and couldn't find a way back in. This massive victory for Mikel Arteta's men sees them stay in 10th place in the Premier League, but only 2 points behind Liverpool. Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in 7th.

Although it was Tottenham who got the first goal, Arsenal were the ones who controlled the game mostly and were the better team on the day. On the offensive side, Arsenal peppered Spurs's goal with shots, attempting 13 in total with a poor 3 on target. In comparison, Mourinho's men attempted a total 6 shots through the entire game, also having 3 on target. There weren't many chances for either team but it was clear that at least Arsenal were trying. While the likes of Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe were putting on a show, Tottenham stars like Harry Kane and Gareth Bale were quiet on the day and didn't show up on the day when their team needed them.

This win is huge for Mikel Arteta and his men as they look to gain momentum and form going into the last few games of the Premier League season as well as the Europa League knockout stages. Considering their very up and down season, it seems that scueing European football in the Premier League may be out of reach for Arsenal and so, winning the Europa League is their best chance at playing in Europe next season. But with this form, passion, and momentum, it is possible that Arteta's men can win the competition. One noticeable absence on Sunday, however, was captain and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was reportedly dropped from the starting lineup moments before the game due to disciplinary issues. However, there is no doubt that Aubameyang will return back to the starting 11 soon. Arsenal are on a good run right now and maybe it's possible they win their first European trophy since 1994.

But as happy as Arteta is, Jose Mourinho was the opposite after the game. He accused his players of 'hiding' during the game and not showing up for a must-win game. Tottenham started the season off as title contenders but have dropped back into a fight simply for a Champions League spot. They are currently 2 points above Liverpool in 7th place but 6 points off 4th. They were on a three game win streak but this loss will certainly be a setback for them in their quest for Champions League football. Mourinho will definitely be looking to make some changes in his squad for both technical and psychological purposes. Because at this rate, Tottenham will not be competing in any European competition next season.