15 January 2023 , 19:15
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Gabriel Martinelli added to Tottenham 's humiliation in the North London Derby with a moment which summed up Arsenal 's dominance.
As the Gunners saw out a comfortable 2-0 victory away from home on Sunday, Brazilian forward Martinelli controlled the ball with his back to demonstrate the gulf in class. A calamitous own-goal from Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and a sublime strike from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard extended the Gunners' lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points, while Tottenham were labelled "embarrassing."
It was in the 67th minute of a game which Arsenal largely dominated when Martinelli - who'd enjoy a productive day down the left flank, despite failing to register a goal or assist - saw the opportunity for some cheeky showboating and turned around to control a bouncing ball with his back.
The away section loved the 21-year-old's samba skills, while Spurs supporters were more concerned about their own side's dire performance, particularly in the first half. With Tottenham 2-0 down at the break, Gunners legend Paul Merson slammed Antonio Conte 's side, who improved in the second period but remain in fifth place after their second successive home loss in the league.
"They've been really bad, Arsenal have been great and they've had two good chances, or one and a half good chances," Merson bemoaned to Sky Sports at half-time. "For me, you're talking about one of the greatest managers about in Conte, he hasn't changed it and let that team go out there and get absolutely ripped to shreds - he had to change it.
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"If I'm being completely honest anyone could go out there and play where [Thomas] Partey is at the moment, no one's got near him. I can't believe how a manager of that quality has not tried to nip this in the bud - it's pretty embarrassing."
Spurs deserved to come away with nothing as suffered their second derby defeat of the season, having lost 3-1 at the Emirates back in October. "We conceded two poor goals," defender Eric Dier admitted to Sky Sports. "The first was a bit unfortunate but I don't think we started too badly. Then they got the first goal and had the better chances in the first half.
Arsenal destroyed Tottenham in the first half and led 2-0 at the break (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)"Second half we came out and played really well. We could've easily got back into the game. Ramsdale made a lot of good saves and we are just missing that goal. If we get the first then who knows what happens. We had spells of possession in their half at 0-0, we just didn't really create any chances.
"Both goals are poor. They were the better team but I don't think it is as clear as the result shows. Obviously it's not what you want at your own stadium, especially against a rival. But it is what it is. They are a very good side, they are top for a reason. We just have to move on."