Arsenal go five points clear after North London derby

Arsenal reignited their Premier League title charge with a commanding 4-1 victory over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, moving five points clear at the top of the table. 

After two successive draws had raised questions about their staying power, Mikel Arteta’s side delivered an emphatic second-half display to silence the home crowd and strengthen their grip on the title race.

The hosts struck first through Randal Kolo Muani, who finished smartly in the 34th minute to cancel out an earlier equaliser from Eberechi Eze. 

Eze had drawn Arsenal level two minutes earlier with a composed finish, ensuring the sides went into the interval locked at 1-1 after a frenetic first half.

Arsenal seized control just after the restart when Viktor Gyokeres powered his way through the Spurs defence to restore the visitors’ lead in the 47th minute. 

The forward’s strength and clinical finishing proved decisive, and his all-action display was later capped with a stoppage-time goal to seal the rout. 

In between, Eze grabbed his second of the afternoon on 61 minutes, giving Arsenal breathing space and exposing Tottenham’s defensive frailties.

Spurs had moments to claw their way back into the contest, most notably when Richarlison was denied by a stunning goal-line save from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya late on. 

The Spaniard’s reflex stop preserved a two-goal cushion at a pivotal stage, extinguishing any hope of a dramatic comeback in front of the 61,439 supporters in attendance.

The defeat marked a difficult start for new Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, with his side remaining just four points above the relegation zone. 

Defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge ultimately proved costly, and frustration was evident among home supporters as Arsenal celebrated in front of their travelling fans.

For Arsenal, however, it was the perfect response to recent criticism. With Manchester City still in pursuit and having played a game fewer, the title race remains finely poised.