Gabriel makes wasteful Spurs pay as Arsenal keep pace with EPL leaders Manchester City
Arteta’s team have won on their past three visits to Tottenham, losing just once, in May 2022, in their previous eight meetings
Gabriel Magalhaes headed Arsenal to a 1-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, as the Gunners overcame the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to extend their North London derby dominance.
Mikel Arteta’s side were without skipper Odegaard because of an ankle injury suffered on Norway duty, while Rice served a suspension for his red card against Brighton.
Losing two such influential players appeared to make Arsenal vulnerable on their trip up the Seven Sisters Road to face their bitter rivals.
But the Premier League title contenders dug deep with a combative display, benefitting from Tottenham’s latest display of wasteful finishing before Gabriel bagged the winner in the second half.
The Brazilian defender’s first goal since February made it three wins from four league games for unbeaten Arsenal as they chase a first title since 2004 after two successive runners-up finishes.
“We had to work really hard as you saw, we knew it was going to be a difficult game,” Arsenal captain Jorginho said. “On these days you have to work hard and we know we can count on each other as teammates.
