Four things learned as Arsenal land victory over Tottenham in north London derby

Tottenham started in fine fettle as they looked revved up for the contest but faded after the break as they failed to truly test David Raya.

Spurs have not tasted victory in the north London derby since May 2022, with this being the sixth time without a win - but what have we learned from this Sunday?

1. Jurrien Timber makes his mark

When Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori over the summer from Bologna, Timber might have felt somewhat concerned having recovered from a serious injury and already fighting for a spot in the side.

But the Dutchman was commanding against Tottenham and full of gusto down the wing while on another day he might have had a couple of assists.

When Arteta has a fully-fit squad, he might struggle to give all of his defenders minutes - but Timber has certainly reasserted himself as a top option.

Still only 23, the defender's best years are ahead of him and can prove a very useful asset to Arteta this season.

2. Tottenham fail midfield battle

Much of the pre-match talk surrounded Arsenal's lack of options in midfield with Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino injured and Declan Rice suspended.

It meant Jorginho and Thomas Partey started in midfield for the Gunners and the chance for Spurs to capitalise.

But they could not make the best of the situation presented to them with Arsenal largely holding their own in the midfield battle.

Postecoglou tried to wrestle away the control by adding extra legs in like Pape Matar Sarr but the damage had already been done.

3. Missing Harry Kane

Kane used to give Arsenal nightmares in the north London derby - in 17 Premier League appearances he scored 14 times against them.

Dominic Solanke has taken up the mantle of Tottenham's main man up front but filling Kane's boots is no easy task and it proved the case on Sunday.

There were at least two great chances for the £60million star to put his name up in lights but he proved to ponderous or failed to read the situation.

Where Kane would take one touch, Solanke took three, where Kane would be waiting to pounce, Solanke was a step behind.

4. Ange Postecoglou under pressure?

This has not been a great start to the season for Tottenham but there was a chance to alleviate the mood with a home win in the north London derby.

But Arsenal deserved their victory over their local rivals after a disappointing second half from Spurs where they failed to threaten.

With Tottenham 13th in the Premier League, should Postecoglou be a bit fearful over his job?

They have hardly progressed under his stewardship, though they are capable of brilliance when everyone is on song, but those moments are spread too thin over a season.
The Australian is immensely popular with fans but even their patience might be tested if results do not pick up soon.