Arsenal are still top of the Premier League after a convincing 3-1 victory against ten-man Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Martin Odegaard returned to the Arsenal team for the north London derby at the Emirates.
The club captain missed the Gunners’ win at Brentford a fortnight ago with a calf injury but played for Norway in the recent international break and is back in the team.
Dejan Kulusevski missed out for Tottenham due to an injury.
He was replaced by Son Heung-min in the starting line-up, with Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal coming in for Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon.
It had been a strong start from Arsenal and it was rewarded with a 20th-minute opener.
It came in sublime style as well as Thomas Partey curled a 25-yard effort into the top corner.
Tottenham levelled just after the half-hour as Harry Kane got his customary goal in the north London derby.
The England captain struck from the spot after Richarlison was fouled by Gabriel Magalhaes for his 14th goal against Arsenal in 18 games.
Both sides pushed for a second before the break, with Gabriel Jesus having a slaloming run into the box which saw Hugo Lloris forced into a smart stop.
But it was 1-1 at the break.
Arsenal regained the lead early in the second half, though they had Lloris to thank.
The Frenchman spilled Bukayo Saka’s tame shot and then completely let the ball slip through his hands when it deflected back to him, allowing Jesus to bundle home from close range.
Spurs were reduced to 10 men just after the hour as Emerson Royal was sent off for a tackle on Gabriel Martinelli, with Anthony Taylor showing a straight red card.
Arsenal made their numerical advantage count soon after as Granit Xhaka found space and drilled into the bottom corner to make it 3-1 and kill the game.
The Gunners dominated the final 20 minutes of the game as Antonio Conte made four substitutions at once as it became very clear that it was a case of damage limitation.
It was a seriously good performance once again for Xhaka, who has been in fine form this year after being pushed up to a more attacking, box-to-box, role in midfield.
Arsenal will finish the weekend top of the Premier League after picking up their seventh win on matchday eight.
Saturday was Spurs’ first league defeat of the campaign. They are third in the table and won’t finish the weekend any higher or lower unless Manchester City lose by nine goals against Manchester United tomorrow. Never say never.
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