Arsenal vs Tottenham: Arteta’s tactical superiority wins North London Derby

Sunday was a day of derbies in England and Italy.

For Premier League enthusiasts, the focus was on Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta started the season with three straight defeats, which immediately put pressure on him from fans and the media.

However, in the past few weeks, he has been able to weather the storm and put the Gunners back on track with consecutive wins.

For Nuno Espirito Santo however, the reverse was the case. The Portuguese who replaced his compatriot Jose Mourinho at White Hart Lane began the season with three straight victories.

Since then, their brilliant start has been done with two 3-0 defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

Against their eternal rivals Arsenal, it was a chance to halt the decline and take bragging rights.

But Arteta had other plans.

The Spaniard set up with what looks like his preferred starting XI when everyone is fit, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Martin Odegaard supporting captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack.

And what a thrilling first half they produced!

Saka tricked his past Japhet Tangaga and set up Smith-Rowe to score. Smith-Rowe then set up Aubameyang to fire past Hugo Lloris.

It was 3-0 at the break after Saka fought his way through to finish coolly.

Spurs had no answer to the electric, intense, amazing football the hosts produced. Harry Kane’s head is still not back. Heung-Min Son huffed and puffed against a dogged Tomiyasu. Lucas Moura was average. Tanguy Ndombele flattered to deceive.

Although Son pulled one back under controversial circumstances in the second half, there was little or nothing else.

Arteta and his men had wrapped this one up neatly in the opening 45 minutes.