Detailed Analysis of Tottenham vs Arsenal Game in Premier League 2024

Final Score and Key Moments

The North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, played on September 15, 2024, ended in a 1-0 victory for Arsenal. The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when Arsenal's center-back Gabriel Magalhães scored the only goal of the match with a powerful header from a Bukayo Saka corner. This win was particularly significant for Arsenal as they were missing key players like Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino.

Tactical Analysis

Arsenal's Approach

Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, had to adapt their game plan due to the absence of several key players. The Gunners lined up with a makeshift midfield, featuring Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who stepped up admirably in the absence of Rice and Ødegaard. Leandro Trossard operated as a No. 10, providing a creative outlet in the attacking third.

Defensive Solidity

Arsenal's defensive pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet. Gabriel, in particular, was a standout performer, not only for his goal but also for his defensive contributions. Saliba, despite an early booking, showed resilience and composure, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel.

Set-Piece Mastery

The winning goal highlighted Arsenal's proficiency in set-pieces, a facet of their game that has been significantly improved under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. Arsenal's ability to capitalize on dead-ball situations has been a recurring theme, with Gabriel's header being a prime example of their well-drilled routines.

Tottenham's Approach

Tottenham, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, started the game with high intensity, pressing Arsenal's makeshift midfield and creating several early chances. However, their inability to convert these opportunities into goals proved costly.

Defensive Frailties

Tottenham's Achilles heel was once again their vulnerability to set-pieces. Cristian Romero, tasked with marking Gabriel, failed to prevent the Brazilian from scoring. This defensive lapse was a continuation of a troubling trend for Spurs, who have conceded 18 goals from set-pieces since the start of the 2023/24 season.

Attacking Inefficiency

Despite having 64% possession and more shots (15-7), Tottenham struggled to break down Arsenal's disciplined defense. Dominic Solanke, who led the line for Spurs, showed promise but lacked the sharpness and finishing touch required to make a decisive impact. Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski were also ineffective, failing to create significant chances.

Controversial Moments

Gabriel's Goal Debate

The legitimacy of Gabriel's goal was a point of contention among pundits. Some, including Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand, argued that the goal should have been disallowed due to a shove on Cristian Romero. However, the referee and VAR did not deem the contact sufficient to overturn the goal, allowing Arsenal to retain their lead.

Disciplinary Record

The match was marked by its physicality, with referee Jarred Gillett issuing seven yellow cards in the first half alone, setting a Premier League record. This high number of bookings reflected the intense and heated nature of the derby.

Managerial Insights

Mikel Arteta

Arteta praised his team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. He highlighted the squad's depth and the players' ability to step up when needed. Arteta's decision to bring in Nicolas Jover as a set-piece coach has paid dividends, as evidenced by the winning goal.

Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou defended his decision not to appoint a specialist set-piece coach, despite the ongoing issues with defending dead-ball situations. He emphasized the need for his team to convert their dominance into goals and acknowledged the broader challenges they face in achieving consistent results.

Player Performances

Arsenal

• Gabriel Magalhães: Man of the Match for his decisive goal and solid defensive display.
• William Saliba: Showed resilience and composure, forming a strong partnership with Gabriel.
• Thomas Partey: Stepped up in midfield, providing stability and breaking up Tottenham's attacks.
• Jorginho: Led the team in Ødegaard's absence, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Tottenham

• Micky van de Ven: Despite some shaky moments, he was a major threat and showed good recovery pace.
• Dominic Solanke: Held the ball up well but lacked the finishing touch.
• Cristian Romero: Criticized for his defensive lapse that led to Gabriel's goal.

Conclusion

Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. Despite missing key players, they managed to secure a crucial win through a well-executed set-piece. Tottenham