AFTV’s Robbie Lyle “They’re trying to tell me that Mickey van de Ven and Romero are better than Saliba and Gabriel?” | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Dominance at Tottenham: A Tactical Masterclass from Mikel Arteta

The latest North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham saw Mikel Arteta’s men claim a vital 1-0 victory, asserting their dominance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the third consecutive time. As Arsenal fans celebrated another impressive away performance, the post-match reactions were filled with excitement, particularly from AFTV’s Robbie Lyle and his contributors.

In this hard-fought win, the narrative of Arsenal’s supremacy shone through. The Gunners, without key players Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, exhibited tactical mastery. Robbie himself noted, “No Rice, no Ødegaard, two of our key players missing… but no problem, man, no problem!” With a grin, Lyle expressed what every Arsenal fan was thinking – this team is built on a rock-solid foundation.

Arsenal’s Tactical Brilliance on Display

In the eyes of Robbie and other Arsenal fans, this victory was more than just three points. Arsenal outplayed Tottenham, and their defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba once again proved crucial. The game’s only goal, headed in by Gabriel, was a reminder of the strength in this Arsenal side. Lyle praised Gabriel’s impact: “Gabriel, by the way, was absolutely a colossus in the game… him and Saliba were brilliant.”

One of the most fascinating aspects of the game was how Arsenal neutralized Tottenham’s attacking threats. Lyle reflected on the comparisons being made between Spurs’ defenders and Arsenal’s backline, saying, “They’re trying to tell me that Mickey van de Ven and Romero are better than Saliba and Gabriel… sorry, man, you saw it!” The performance from Arsenal’s defenders was a testament to Arteta’s meticulous planning and the growing belief in his squad.

The Impact of Missing Key Players

Despite missing two of their most influential players, Arsenal managed to control the tempo and defensive solidity. Robbie acknowledged the potential challenges but remained positive throughout the podcast, particularly about the performance of new signings like Jorginho, who stepped in to fill the gap left by Rice. He noted, “Jorginho done well, everybody who came in today put in a shift.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the conversation, demonstrating the depth of Arsenal’s squad and the resilience they possess.

Even Kai Havertz, a player who has faced criticism since his arrival at the club, was lauded for his effort and work rate. Lyle said, “Havertz today, you know, he run himself into the ground… doing a lot of selfless work.” It’s clear that even in difficult moments, this Arsenal team is cohesive, working together as one unit.

Tottenham’s Eternal Rebuild

While Arsenal fans were understandably jubilant after the game, Robbie didn’t hold back in criticizing Tottenham’s perpetual state of rebuilding. He mockingly remarked, “How much rebuilding are they going to do? They’ve been rebuilding for years… maybe they should have built the team first!” This dig at Tottenham’s struggles highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both North London sides. As Spurs continue to stumble in their quest for success, Arsenal look increasingly like genuine title contenders.

Robbie’s comments were reflective of the larger sentiment within the Arsenal fanbase – they believe their team is on the verge of something special. The victory over Spurs, combined with their excellent away form, leaves Arsenal with high hopes for the season. Lyle summed it up perfectly: “That’s 11 away games, 10 wins and one draw. I mean, this is an outstanding team.”

Looking Ahead to the Season

As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City next week, the excitement among the Gunners faithful is palpable. Robbie hinted at the potential for a title charge, stating, “Suppose we go there and win… that would be a massive statement.” While it’s early in the season, performances like this will give Arsenal confidence as they push to challenge Pep Guardiola’s City for the Premier League crown.

Ultimately, this North London Derby victory was not just about bragging rights; it was about establishing Arsenal’s credentials as one of the top teams in the country. For Tottenham, the rebuild continues, while Arsenal marches on, buoyed by their defensive solidity, tactical brilliance, and the belief that they can beat anyone, anywhere.