Arsenal Fan View: Three highlights from the 2-0 win over Tottenham

There is a real feel-good sensation today for all Gunners, as Arsenal won 2-0 against Spurs at the Emirates. The north London derby had its moments, and here my top three picks from the game:

The real Arsenal showed up today

Be honest-this was the best Arsenal performance you have seen for sometime now. The intensity, the pressing, the defending-everything was on point today.

It was easily the top Arsenal XI you will get this season. And it stood up to its name, having the entire lot of ‘big players’ showing up and doing the job.

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More importantly, Wenger finally realized he needed to let his top trio play together in a big game. Lacazette, Ozil and Alexis were absolutely amazing in their link up as well as pressing.

Now if only they can make sure to play like this every week, life would be so much simpler.

Spurs missed their best defender, Arsenal gained theirs

While it would be ignorant to say that this was not an even game, Spurs did miss a vital player. Toby Alderweireld was a huge absentee for Tottenham in the derby and it showed. The back three of Vertonghen, Sanchez and Dier never quite managed to keep the Arsenal forwards at bay.

And at the other end, Arsenal were discovering something opposite. Their backline of Monreal, Mustafi and Koscielny may have put in the best ever defensive effort by this side. Further, it was the returning Mustafi who had the biggest role to play.

The German center back was solid at the back and spot on from the set-piece, getting Arsenal’s opener. His partnership with Koscielny was critical in keeping Kane and Alli quiet and that block from Kane’s shot needs no further praise.

It was the defending of the old Arsenal and Wenger should be proud. The blocks and complete passion at the back kept this derby in favor of the Gunners. More importantly, it showed Arsenal their investment in Mustafi has just started paying off.

Ozil won the derby, and the hearts of critics

There was more than one German having a good outing at the Emirates this afternoon. Mesut Ozil’s virtuoso display was a sight to behold. And there was more to it than just his perfect assist.

READ MORE: Wenger hails tenacious Ozil after derby delight
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7 crosses, 4 key passes and 81% pass accuracy-these could be statistics from any game Ozil plays. No, the difference today was the energy which Mesut displayed. It was a true derby performance from the WC winner and that meant all the experts had a silent afternoon.

Alexis surely was critical in settling the game, but it all seemed to vibrate from the German. His work rate was infectious and kept the front three ticking. For once, we need to appreciate the constantly berated guy who ran the show against Spurs.

Most of all, he truly won the hearts of every Arsenal fan out there. Considering how hard we are to please, that really should be good enough for everyone. The man is class. Period.

(PS: North London will always be RED)