ARSENAL won the North London Derby on Tottenham’s home turf once more, continuing their strong start to the season.

The Gunners won their third consecutive away game against Spurs thanks to Gabriel’s second-half header, marking the first time since 1988.

Gabriel netted the winner for Arsenal in the North London DerbyCredit: Alamy

Mikel Arteta has overcome several injury issues to start the season strongCredit: Getty

They managed it without the likes of suspended Declan Rice and injured Martin Odegaard, as well as a whole host of other first team stars missing.

It leaves Mikel Arteta’s men two points off leaders Manchester City after four games ahead of their mammoth trip to the Etihad this weekend.

Saliba’s battle with Solanke

Spurs’ record acquisition, Dominic Solanke, made his North London Derby debut against Arsenal’s William Saliba.

Arsenal’s French defender shown patience and brilliance in keeping a clean sheet for the third time this season.

In the early stages, Saliba was outmuscled by Solanke, who caused difficulties for Arsenal’s backline with his speed and power.

Saliba was clearly angry, receiving an unnecessary first-half yellow card for delaying a restart after losing another skirmish with Solanke over a high ball.

He may have recovered well, but it only goes to demonstrate that Saliba is far from finished, even if he is getting near.

William Saliba was given a real physical battle against Dominic SolankeCredit: AP

An insane 2024 away record

Arsenal’s away performance in the Premier League has been impressive, with some of the division’s top statistics.

Since January 1, they have won 10 of 11 road games, including a 0-0 tie at Manchester City in March, while keeping nine clean sheets and conceding only three goals.

They have faced the fewest shots [108], the fewest shots on target [22], and have not trailed for a minute.

It’s the type of record you want when you’re traveling to your championship rivals and need a statement result, as Arteta plans another away victory against City on Sunday.

David Raya has been instrumental in Arsenal’s improved away formCredit: Alamy

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Ayden Heaven were among the subsCredit: Getty

A bench full of teenagers

Arsenal’s bench was weakened due to Arteta’s injury issues, which included Mikel Merino, Ricardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Five youngsters, three of whom Arsenal fans may not recognize, filled the seats, which surprised many.

Academy players Myles Lewis-Skelly (17) and Ethan Nwaneri (17) played extensively on the pre-season tour of the United States, with the latter coming on as a substitute in the 86th minute against Tottenham.

Ayden Heaven, 17, Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Ismeal Kabia, 18, are lesser-known players who primarily play for the younger teams and occasionally practice with the seniors.

Their presence demonstrates how severely the injuries have harmed Arteta’s squad depth.

Gabriel Jesus covered young Nwaneri well in his late cameoCredit: Getty

Jesus taking care of Nwaneri

Gary Neville, a Sky Sports co-commentator, commended Gabriel Jesus for protecting Nwaneri on the field during the game.

In the 80th minute, Jesus came in to lead the line after recovering from a groin injury. However, Bukayo Saka was unable to finish the game due to a cramp.

Nwaneri was called on, but Jesus soon switched to Nwaneri, telling the kid to lead the line, fearing he would struggle to replicate Saka’s defensive qualities on the wing.

Neville confessed he “liked that a lot” since it demonstrated Jesus’ leadership and experience in protecting a teenager who may have been isolated in an unfamiliar situation.

Sterling made his Prem debut for Arsenal after a Deadline Day switchCredit: Getty

Sterling puts in the graft

Sterling had a couple weeks during the international break to adjust to Arsenal’s tactical intricacies after joining on loan from Chelsea on deadline day.

It shouldn’t have been too difficult, given that Sterling worked with Arteta as City’s assistant coach from 2016 to 2019.

In the final stages, the England winger demonstrated his ability to cover for left-back Jurrien Timber, something Arteta values.

Sterling even had a chance up the opposite end of the counter, taking too many touches after cutting inside before being crowded out, but there are encouraging signs.