Tottenham vs Arsenal live updates: Gabriel goal wins north London ...

Defending against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur in a low-block isn’t the easiest of tasks. The wide combinations between the winger, full-back and No 8 makes it a tedious task, and the dynamism of their movement and rotations only makes it harder.

In the first half, Arsenal’s defensive organisation limited that threat. Defending out of a 4-4-2, one of Arsenal’s wingers would drop to form a situational back five towards the side where Tottenham were trying to attack, while the other tucked in next to the double pivot to minimise the space.

Meanwhile, William Saliba and Gabriel were alert to switch markers with Arsenal’s double pivot when Dominic Solanke dropped deeper and Tottenham were searching for runners in behind the defence. In addition, Partey and Jorginho dropped to fill in the gaps in the defensive line.

In the second half it was expected that Tottenham would increase the pressure, especially after Gabriel put Arsenal in the lead, but more blocks and Raya being in position to save more shots earned Arsenal a deserved victory.