EPL: Gabriel’s header sends Arsenal past Tottenham in north London derby

Gabriel Magalhães scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the first north London derby of the 2024/25 English Premier League (EPL) season.

The goal was an imperial seal on Gabriel’s man-of-the-match performance at the Tottenham Stadium on Sunday.

Due to Martin Ordegaard’s injury and Declan Rice’s suspension, Mikel Arteta shuffled his line-up with Jorginho, and Leandro Trossard slotted in as a replacement.

However, the Arsenal absentees were not sorely missed against a Tottenham side that was more compact and disciplined than they have been in recent months.

Gabriel Martinelli created two chances from the left flank within the first 20 minutes. The Brazilian blighted past Pedro Porro before standing a cross for Kai Havertz, but Vicario, Tottenham’s goalkeeper, tipped the strike’s header away.

Shortly after, Martinelli forced Vicario into another save as the Gunners continued to pour forward.

Arsenal’s defence was the perfect antidote for Dominic Solanke and Arsenal’s attackers. Gabriel was proactive to all movement of men and the ball into the Arsenal goal area.

After an hour of working tirelessly to stop a goal at his end, Gabriel dealt with the match-winning blow on the other side of the pitch.

The Brazilian leapt highest to power home a header off a corner kick from Bukayo Saka.

The goal ensured Arsenal remained unbeaten in the league. They are second on the log with 10 points from four games behind only the impeccable Manchester City.