Gabriel Magalhaes headed home a corner-kick from Bukayo Saka for the only goal.
The Gunners barely had chances but showed their prowess from set-pieces to keep their title challenge rolling after a slip-up against Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break.
The Arsenal backline held on against rampant waves of attack from Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski.
Solanke had one chance he should have got out of his feet before William Saliba blocked the opportunity. He also had an excellent looping header that fell wide of the post.
Arsenal’s best chance from open play came for Gabriel Martinelli, but he went for glory from a tight angle when he could have squared for Saka.
Gabriel’s header came in the second half and took the winds out of Tottenham’s sails as the Gunners held on for a win that kept them within touching distance of Manchester City.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal Player Ratings
Tottenham
Guglielmo Vicario (6/10) – The Italian goalkeeper made one great save to keep his side in it. His deficiency on set-pieces was on show throughout.
Pedro Porro (6.5/10) – The buccaneering full-back was relentless, although this gave Martinelli plenty of space behind him, allowing the Brazilian to create danger.
Cristian Romero (6/10) – Romero was solid against Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, adeptly marshalling both attackers, but was easily shoved for the winner.
Micky Van de Ven (7/10) – Van de Ven stood solidly against Arsenal’s attacking line and didn’t give them much to work with.
Destiny Udogie (7/10) – The Italian international was lively throughout the game and surprisingly managed to keep Saka quiet.
Dejan Kulusevski (6/10) – Full of running and industry but struggled to make a telling impact on the game.
Rodrigo Bentancur (7.5/10) – Bentancur dominated Thomas Partey and Jorginho in midfield. He was snappy with his tackles and constantly looking for space behind the Arsenal defence.
James Maddison (6.5/10) – Apart from the chance he created for a Solanke header, he didn’t make enough impression in the final third and made way in the second half.
Brennan Johnson (5.5/10) – He looked anonymous for most of the game, failing to impose himself. It is his second season, and he is still struggling to find his feet in London.
Dominic Solanke (6.5/10) – The former Bournemouth striker had one fine opportunity he should have dispatched quicker. His looping header also worried David Raya, but couldn’t get off the mark.
Heung-min Son (7.5/10) – Constantly found space behind Ben White. He was a menace as an outlet on the left and got the better of the Englishman on a few occasions.
Substitutes
Wilson Odobert (6/10)
Pape Matar Sarr (6/10)
Timo Werner (5/10)
Arsenal
David Raya (8/10) – Apart from one silly giveaway, the Spaniard was excellent and kept a deserved clean sheet for his efforts.
Ben White (6.5/10) – Torched by Son on some occasions, the former England international still didn’t give much away.
Gabriel Saliba (8/10) – The Frenchman was unsurprisingly defiant at centre-back. Even the one mistake he made, he atoned for it with a stellar block.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8.5/10) – MOTM – Excellent in defence and scored a terrific header to earn his side the victory. A top day at the office.
Jurrien Timber (7/10) – Timber looked assured at left-back and kept Johnson mute throughout the game.
Jorginho (6/10) – Ragdolled in midfield for most of the game, the Italy international was mostly a passenger, with the Tottenham centre easily playing around him.
Thomas Partey (7/10) – The Ghanaian provided an escape valve for his team when they needed to relieve the pressure. He protected his defence well.
Leandro Trossard (5.5/10) – He was anonymous for most of the tie and failed to impress himself on the game, with the Tottenham defence getting the better of him.
Bukayo Saka (7/10) – Even when he is not up to his very best, Saka’s world-class status shines through. He delivered the crucial assist that earned Arsenal the win. However, he limped off to leave Arsenal fans worrying about his fitness.
Kai Havertz (6.5/10) – The German popped up here and there, but apart from a header that had Vicario sprawling, there was not much in his showing today.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10) – He was lively and electric in the first half before petering out in the second half. He should have put it on a plate for Saka.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus (6/10)
Raheem Sterling (5.5/10)
Ethan Nwaneri (6.5/10)
