BREAKING NEWS: “Honestly, I’m not pleased with what happened today. If it weren’t for Gabriel Magalhães coming to our rescue, things could have been really difficult for us,” Bukayo Saka says, naming the sole Arsenal player who disappointed the team today—neither Trossard nor Jorginho.

Arsenal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tottenham in the North London Derby, a game marked by intensity and physicality. The absence of key players Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice left Arsenal struggling to control the midfield, allowing Tottenham to take advantage early on. Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke tested Arsenal’s defense, but goalkeeper David Raya stood firm, making crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.

Arsenal, missing their usual midfield control, relied on swift counter-attacks. Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz came close to scoring, but it was a tense first half with no goals. The game’s high stakes were evident, with seven yellow cards in the first half alone, highlighting the rivalry’s intensity.

As the second half continued, both sides remained competitive, but Arsenal eventually broke through. A well-placed corner from Bukayo Saka found Gabriel Magalhães, who rose above the Tottenham defense to score a powerful header, sealing Arsenal’s lead.

David Raya, celebrating his 29th birthday, played a key role in the victory. His early saves were vital in keeping the match level and showed why he is a reliable presence for the Gunners. Defensively, Arsenal had mixed performances.

Ben White struggled against Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, while William Saliba faced challenges from Solanke but remained composed overall. Gabriel Magalhães was outstanding, not only scoring the winning goal but also making several critical defensive blocks.

Jurrien Timber displayed determination throughout the match, managing to contain Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson effectively. In midfield, Thomas Partey performed steadily but lacked the mobility usually provided by Declan Rice, making it harder for Arsenal to control the game. Jorginho, filling in for Rice, had difficulties coping with Tottenham’s pressing, particularly when up against Kulusevski.

On the attacking side, Bukayo Saka continued to shine, delivering the crucial assist for Gabriel’s goal. Gabriel Martinelli was a constant threat down the left, though his decision-making in key moments could improve.

Kai Havertz held up the ball well under pressure, while Leandro Trossard had a quieter game than usual, contributing during the buildup but lacking his usual sharpness in the final third. Ultimately, Arsenal’s resilience and solid defense ensured a valuable victory in this fiercely contested derby.