MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 2-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 in an eventful North London derby.

An outrageous ‘rabona’ strike from Erik Lamela had given Tottenham the lead after 33 minutes before Martin Odegaard’s first Premier League goal drew the Gunners level just before half-time.

Alexandre Lacazette’s 64^th minute penalty proved to be the winner and a miserable day for Spurs was rounded off by their goalscorer’s 76^th minute dismissal.

It was only the second time in 19 encounters Jose Mourinho had lost to Arsenal in his managerial career and means his side miss the opportunity to climb up to fifth in the table.

Lamela was brought on after 19 minutes when Heung-Min Son was forced off with a hamstring injury and the Argentinian fired Spurs into the lead on 33 minutes with a driven ‘rabona’ shot into the bottom corner.

It was the visitors’ only shot in a half that Mikel Arteta’ side controlled, with Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric both hitting the woodwork, and their dominance was finally rewarded when Real Madrid loanee Odegaard equalised a minute before the interval.

Arsenal were then awarded a controversial penalty by referee Michael Oliver with the aid of VAR when Lacazette was brought down by Davinson Sanchez in the penalty area after he had scuffed his shot.

The Frenchman made no mistake from 12 yards, stroking his shot into the bottom right corner and completing his side’s turnaround.

Tottenham had opportunities to equalise as Harry Kane scored an offside header and struck the post with a late free kick.

Their task was made harder when Lamela turned from hero to zero when he received a second yellow for an elbow on Kieran Tierney.

It ended up being Arsenal’s first derby win since December 2018 and provides the fan with some joy in a disappointing campaign while also putting a dent in Tottenham’s European aspirations as they remain in seventh.