The question running through the start of this season for Arsenal was whether its lofty position was actually down to significant improvement or whether it had been flattered by the fixture list. A 3–1 win over Tottenham in Saturday’s North London Derby perhaps provided something approaching an answer—as well as ensuring Arsenal will end the weekend top of the table, no matter what happens in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Last season, Arsenal won just three of 10 games against the rest of the Big Six. Its first game against a top side this season, away at Manchester United, provided ammunition for both sides of the debate. It played well in long patches, but still lost. There were few questions about ability, but major concerns about application. But in Saturday’s derby, under pressure, Arsenal found a resilience to go along with its pleasing attacking patterns.
If there is a question now, it is about Tottenham, with its unbeaten record gone. Yes, it is a far stronger opponent than the demoralized unit Arsenal beat in the same fixture last season, but Antonio Conte could really do with his side playing cohesively; getting results when playing poorly is only really of value if there is good form at the end of it.
