Gabriel sinks Ange’s sorry Spurs

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

On Sunday, Gabriel ensured Arsenal made it three wins in three at the ‘new’ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,with his 64th minute bullet header proving the difference between the two sides in North London.

Arsenal by some, were tipped as the underdogs, purely down to the fact that key player Declan Rice [suspension] and skipper Martin Odegaard [injury] were missing from the match-day squad. Arsenal were also missing new signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori as well as Oleksandr Zinchenko through injury which many thought would put Spurs, who had a full contingent of players to select, in control, at least personnel wise, with Arsenal forced to name no less than five teenagers on their bench.

First Half:

Spurs’ full squad came out of the blocks quickly and looked to put Arsenal’s makeshift midfield pivot of Thomas Partey and Jorginho under pressure. Arsenal defended the centre of the pitch very well, with William Saliba and Gabriel both cleaning up from some midfield mistakes in the early exchanges. Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski had an early chance well saved by David Raya, before new signing Dominic Solanke’s header looped just wide. Arsenal were on the backfoot.

As the first half went on, Arsenal found themselves growing into the game more. The midfield were managing to get their foot on the ball and find forward balls, which resulted in Arsenal’s first proper chance of the game courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli, who was played through by Leandro Trossard. Bearing down on goal, Martinelli was torn between squaring to an unmarked Bukayo Saka or going for goal himself. He went for the later, which proved a tame effort into the hands of goalkeeper Vicario. Arsenal were looking more dangerous and finding themselves in the game, but so was Australian referee Jarred Gillett, who by half time, had handed out just the SEVEN yellow cards. Talk about letting a Derby game flow…

Half time: Tottenham 0 Arsenal 0

Second Half:

Into the second half and whatever boss Mikel Arteta had said at the break seemed to work. Arsenal knew that they had come into the game needing one chance, with full belief in the defence who had kept 8 away clean sheets in 10 games in 2024 prior to the game. Arsenal continued to look dangerous going forward and limited Spurs to chances of no real threat. On the 64th minute, Arsenal were awarded a corner in front of the travelling fans, which was met by roars like a goal had been scored, with the Gunners away contingent knowing their bitter rival’s frailties from set pieces. As Saka sauntered over to the corner flag, there was a sense of inevitability amongst the Arsenal fans as to what was about to go down. As Saka’s corner beat the first man, Gabriel found himself free of his marker Cristian Romero, planting a bullet header past a helpless Vicario from all of 6 yards out. Arsenal fans and player alike were sent into pandemonium, sparking ‘limbs’ from the away end and some passionate celebrations from those on the pitch as well as Mikel Arteta, who ran to hug set piece coach Nicolas Jover.

With the second half drawing to a close, Arsenal’s focus was on holding out for all 3 points. New signing Raheem Sterling came on for his debut, whilst Gabriel Jesus and 17 year old Ethan Nwaneri also entered the fray. Safe in the knowledge that they had the lead, Arsenal’s defence stood strong, with each tackle and block cheered by players and fans alike, like another goal had gone in. Baring a speculative 25 yard + effort from Kulusevski in the dying minutes of the game which looked to briefly concern keeper David Raya, Arsenal kept Tottenham largely at bay.

Jarred Gillett blew for full time not long after, met by wild scenes of cheers from the away end and Arsenal players, who had all given no less than 100% each, dropping to their haunches in relief and happiness. “It’s happened again” as an old friend Wojciech Szczęsny once famously said.

Full Time: Tottenham 0 Arsenal 1 (Gabriel 64′)

Looking ahead:

Arsenal do not have long to celebrate the result, with eyes firmly fixed on the week ahead. The Gunner’s kick off their ‘league’ phase of the Champions League on Thursday night as they travel to Italy to face Atalanta, before the small matter of an away trip to The Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Sunday’s result is certainly one to celebrate, but attention must quickly turn to an another tough upcoming week for The Gunners.

A 21 year old Arsenal fan that has been creating daily content for 6+ years on Instagram. COYG!

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