Mikel Arteta expressed immense satisfaction following Arsenal’s 3-2 triumph in the north London derby, highlighting their strategic focus on exploiting Tottenham’s vulnerability in defending corners near their post.
Initially, Arsenal seized control with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg inadvertently scoring an own goal from a corner, followed by Bukayo Saka’s goal, granting the league leaders a two-goal lead within the first 30 minutes.
Despite Kai Havertz pulling one back for the hosts with a header from a corner in the 38th minute, Arsenal maintained their dominance, leaving their supporters optimistic as they headed into halftime at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
David Raya’s error paved the way for Spurs to get back into the game, with Cristian Romero seizing the opportunity to equalize before Son Heung-min converted from the penalty spot, setting the stage for an intense finale.
Despite the pressure, Mikel Arteta’s squad managed to maintain their slender advantage, clinching the win and extending their lead to four points over Manchester City, who are set to face Nottingham Forest later in the evening.
Arsenal’s 20th and 21st goals from set pieces this season highlighted their proficiency in dead ball situations, with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover earning widespread acclaim for the team’s prowess from corners and free-kicks throughout the campaign.
“It’s been the same Arsenal set-up all year and it’s been good all year,’ former Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville said on Sky Sports’ commentary of the game.
“He’s a little nuisance that set-piece coach, but he’s damn good!”
In his interview with Sky Sports after the match, Arteta disclosed that Arsenal had identified Tottenham’s vulnerability in defending their near post from corners well before the game began.
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When questioned if Arsenal had specifically aimed to exploit this weakness, Arteta responded with a grin: “I’m not going to tell you that!”
Pressed for an answer, the Spaniard responded: “Obviously every team has certain spaces in open play that we want to attack and the one that we scored is one that we spotted.
“Yeah, we have our weakness as well and we’re trying not to highlight them too much.”
Arteta admitted that his team benefited from some fortunate moments in the second half but emphasized that it was a day of pride for Arsenal fans.
“It is a really tough place to come. Unbelievable atmosphere, great team,’ he added
“We were superb, really well organised, efficient, especially in the first half. We started the second half really well, we were in control of the game.
“We could have scored the fourth one and then we made an error, we conceded a goal and it’s game on.
“From there you have to dig in and manage the game, you have to have a bit of luck at times when you need it.
“We concede the second one that is not very usual and then pray, defend your box. They throw everything forward, Romero was playing as a striker in the last 25 to 30 minutes and, yeah, anything can happen.
“But to win big things you have to go through these moments and obviously I’m super happy because it’s a day to be proud, it’s a day that means so much to these supporters.
“Hopefully they can enjoy a beautiful evening.”