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Tottenham fully deserving of 1-0 north London derby victory

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham showed their unerring superiority in the north London derby, with Harry Kane scoring his seventh goal in as many matches against Arsenal to secure the monumental 1-0 win. 

All of Spurs brilliant work could have been undone when Alexandre Lacazette broke free in injury time, his shot thankfully skidding just wide of the back post.

But make no mistake, Spurs were full value for the victory.

Redemption and vengeance, the latter of which purportedly considered a sin, feel perfectly satisfying today. The gulf in class between the bitter rivals was apparent from kick off. Arsenal were happy to soak up pressure, unable to showcase the free-flowing style of football they’re so highly touted for.

Instead it was the home side showing their footballing nous.

Arsenal’s inability to get hold of the ball was directly due to Tottenham’s indomitable spirit and ability to play for 90 minutes at a breathtaking, blistering pace.

Second half

Petr Cech got away with one in the 48th minute, the Czech keeper trying to be cute in possession.

Then the moment Spurs supporters have been waiting three months for: Kane’s desire to win the header shone through, with Spurs’ marksman rising imperiously above Laurent Koscielny to head the opener home.

Ben Davies can take a bow for his pinpoint left-footed delivery. I’ll sing the Welshman’s praises until the cow’s come home, as his influence at the club becomes ever more decisive each week.

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Kane probably should have doubled Spurs’ advantage minutes later, his flicked header missing the far post by inches. Completing the trifecta of chances, Kane smashed a venomous volley directly at Cech.

Christian Eriksen got in on the act in the 58th minute from a dead-ball situation. The dynamic Dane dipped his free kick perfectly over the wall and would have had Spurs’ second had it not been for Cech’s impressive intervention.

Chances then fell to Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier, the former of whom may feel aggrieved not to have done better.

Then Erik Lamela, who came on for Son Heung-Min, broke free with rapid pace, his left-footed also saved by an on-rushing Cech.

First half

A deafening noise presided over Wembley as Spurs set about their business in the second north London derby of the season. A tactical chess match, with Arsenal dropping back and soaking up Tottenham’s mastery of the ball, ensued for the duration of the first 45 minutes.

Tottenham played with relentless pace and verve, getting the better of their loathed counterparts in the opening stanza. But chances were few and far between.

Mauricio Pochettino showed that Davinson Sánchez, after a rough go at Anfield, has his gaffer’s unadulterated faith. Other than one harmless errant pass, he proved right his manager’s selection, with Toby Alderweireld surely set for a return against Juventus on Tuesday.

The best chance of the half fell to the man every Spurs supporter hoped it would: Kane snuck between Shkodran Mustafi and Koscielny in the 27th minute, but couldn’t get over Christian Eriksen’s teasing cross. He headed over to Tottenham’s dismay.

Son had elevated pep in his step yet again, consistently driving at Héctor Bellerín. Son had a relatively tame shot thwarted by Cech at the near post in the 18th minute. Hugo Lloris enjoyed a placid first stanza as the away side didn’t muster a shot on target.

The Lilywhites comfortably kept the ball in the first half, enjoying 58 percent possession.

Next: Reports that PSG can steal Pochettino are laughable

Temporarily leapfrogging Liverpool and Chelsea into third place in the standings, Spurs are also now seven points clear of their bitter north London rivals.

The score flattered Arsenal, who should have been put out of their misery long before the final whistle. It was the Gunners’ first taste of defeat at Wembley in 10 matches, dating back to 2011.

The winning mentality Mauricio Pochettino is consistently preaching about was on display for all to see.

Home wins against Manchester United and Arsenal, combined with an impressive late escape at Anfield, have Spurs perfectly poised as they approach the business end of the season.