Premier League 2018/19: Arsenal vs Tottenham

That’s what you call a proper derby. Arsenal’s great team effort mixed with Unai Emery’s approach to the game resulted in one of the most emotional North London derbies in recent years. An outstanding second-half response from the Gunners was the reason for them getting the 4-2 win over their greatest rival Tottenham. Spurs’ only creative force was Heung-min Son, who was the reason for them taking the lead, but the lack of support by his teammates made it difficult for him to operate behind the three-man Arsenal defence. Most of the team’s opportunities came on a counter-attack with early balls to Son, but somehow the Gunners managed to cope with his ball control. Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen were expected to contribute more throughout the game, although both goals were a result of their efforts.

The Arsenal team looked completely inspired to win that one and managed to keep their unbeaten run in 18 games. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took the lead among the Premier League’s goal scorers adding two and now has a total of 10 goals and two assists in 13 games. His outstanding flair made Hugo Lloris’ life miserable. He is the first player to score with 10 consecutive shots on target in the Premier League since October 2007 (Benni McCarthy for Blackburn). And the team is right behind Manchester City by goals scored this season (32).

Two half-time subs by Emery found the team in a better position with Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette coming in and having a huge impact on the team’s performance. Three things were clear after that move: 1. Unai Emery’s confidence reflects on the players; 2. Aaron Ramsey needs to stay; 3. Everybody’s glad that Lacazette is back.

But what was the reason for that superb win: The team’s effort or Unai Emery’s tactical genius?