Arsenal's attention to detail at set-pieces exposes Tottenham's greatest weakness yet again, writes Phil McNulty.
Arsenal’s attention to detail – and small detail can settle matches balanced on fine margins – demonstrated why they inflicted more north London derby pain on Tottenham.
The frustration was shown by a couple of match programmes hurled on to the pitch accompanied by a smattering of boos at the conclusion. One win in four league games constitutes an indifferent start for a club with high ambitions. They have lost seven of their past 11 league games straddling this season and last.
And yet, when the subject was raised with Postecoglou last season, it was almost brushed off as a non-issue. The statistics, and more importantly the defeats, suggest otherwise and these have to focus his mind eventually.In the same period since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more goals than any other team in the Premier League: 24 excluding penalties from set-plays.
Spurs’ vulnerability in such situations is a recurring theme and Arsenal know it. Romero’s appeal to referee Jarred Gillet that he had been fouled was the very definition of desperation. The Argentine, a self-styled strong man, simply was not strong enough.
Arsenal’s elation at the final whistle was understandable, with the win achieved without Odegaard and Rice, as well as the knowledge that more dropped points after drawing with Brighton at home would increase pressure ahead of their league game at champions and leaders Manchester City next weekend. They now lie just two points behind.
Spurs currently sit in 13th place. They will feel this loss because it looked like the ideal occasion to reverse the trend against Arsenal on their own turf.
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