The Independent
·1 October 2022
The Independent
·1 October 2022
Arsenal a really good team - Conte
Arsenal and Tottenham are separated by just one point at the top of the Premier League table as they go head-to-head in the first north London derby of the season this afternoon. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners sit top of the league with 18 points whilst Antonio Conte’s Spurs are two places back in third.
In their last match before the international break Tottenham despatched Leicester 6-2 with Son Heung-min finally hitting form with a second half hat-trick from off the bench to seal the victory for Spurs. Arsenal are also in fine touch and they ended the opening spell of the season with a 3-0 win away at Brentford.
Today’s encounter is set to be a furious clash between two teams on the top of their game. Arsenal have only lost once in their league campaign so far – a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford – whilst Tottenham are unbeaten with five wins and two draws from their first seven fixtures. Will the Gunners end Spurs’ unbeaten run and remain top of the Premier League table?
Follow all the action from the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal host Tottenham in the north London derby:
Arteta: “They were phenomenal, from the beginning we went for it. We created a great energy and we dominated. We have been waiting for that one from Thomas. What he's been through, the injuries.
“We were courageous and brave. Jesus is lively, Saka is courageous to take them on.
“He has a winning mentality, the way he trains every day, the confidence he brings. You could feel the connection between the players and the crowd.
“I’m so happy, it was a beautiful day. We made our supporters proud.”
Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:48
Antonio Conte: “We had the opportunity to start much better and stay up, instead we kept the game inbalanced. We made big mistakes with the last pass. Easy passes. Especially after the international teams, we didn't have a lot of time, many players arrived at the last time, one training session, you have to make the best decision.
“Now we have to move on, a loss, we know our role in this league, we try to do our best and try to stay close to all the teams.
“Just fresh legs, the game ended, we needed to give players some minutes, like Skippy, Doherty, to save energy, this is the first game.
“The game ended about 70 minutes, I wanted to give them time to be available for the following games. For this reason I preferred to give time to these players. We need the whole squad and we have many games in a short period.
“We didn’t have a long time to prepare due to the international break,” says Granit Xhaka.
“From the first minute we were the better team. We were much better in the second half.
“My first derby goal in England, happy to help the team. So happy to help and to win.
Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:36
1664631352Arsenal vs Tottenham reaction“I’m very happy, I want to score every game. The way the team played from the first minute,” says Gabriel Jesus.“We won the game, that’s the most important thing.“We were better in my opinion. We deserved to win. We want to play the game, pass, make chances, how many today? Amazing.“I feel at home from day one. They make me feel at home and it helps a lot. I’m really happy here. We are in a good way.”Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:35
Whipped in from Martinelli towards the top right corner, out on the left wing, it dips but it’s just over.
The full-time whistle goes, Arsenal take the points, four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:22
Jenas hands Xhaka the man of the match award.
Spurs drop deep, Gabriel happy to take a free-kick short and the Gunners sweep the ball around as we approach the final whistle.
Nketiah too quick for Dier, who earns a yellow card. He complaints to Taylor after pulling Nketiah back, not sure there can be any arguments there.
A final chance for a fourth then?
Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:20
Brilliant strike from Tierney, cuts across it beautifully with the outside of his boot, Lloris down low to his left to push it away for a corner.
Corner taken short by Arsenal, Vieira then slings it in, Skipp poor in possession inside his own box and Arsenal still have possession, dangerous defending from Spurs.
Jack Rathborn1 October 2022 14:18