Mikel Arteta has just done something that not even Arsene Wenger could manage at Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to history with a win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. 

In a frenetic and action-packed North London Derby, Arsenal were able to secure a vital 1-0 victory. 

Both sides had chances in what was a fast-paced game from the first whistle. The Gunners’ best opportunity in the opening period fell the way of Gabriel Martinelli, after some clever play from Leandro Trossard.

The Brazilian found himself in space in the Spurs box, but his tame effort was easily gathered by the goalkeeper. Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson criticised Martinelli for his wastefulness. 

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, David Raya made a number of interventions to protect his clean sheet. 

By the time the final whistle rolled around though, Mikel Arteta will have felt he had his centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba to thank above all others for delivering these three points. 

Gabriel and Saliba have been called the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League before, and they underlined their claim to that title with this showing. The duo were solid throughout, repeatedly making blocks and tackles, and it was Gabriel who met Bukayo Saka’s second half corner to nod home the wining goal.

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Arsenal make North London Derby history under Mikel Arteta

This win meant that Arteta has now led the Gunners to three consecutive victories on the road against Tottenham. Arsenal are truly now enjoying a period of dominance over their neighbours.

Even Arsene Wenger, in his lengthy and successful reign was never able to beat Spurs away from home three times on the spin.

Prior to this match, Saka shared his favourite North London Derby memories. The 23-year-old has now played a part in writing another chapter of this fixture’s history. 

What this win over Tottenham Hotspur means for Arsenal

The Gunners will take huge confidence from this victory. Arteta had so many key players absent, and will be hugely proud of the players who came into the side to play a part in securing this win.

Next time out in the Premier League, Arsenal will take on the reigning champions Manchester City, knowing that a victory will see them leapfrog the Cityzens into top spot.

Arsenal will now go into that game on a huge high, and have shown with this win against Spurs that they have the resilience to keep a top team at bay.