Arsenal enjoyed a comprehensive North London derby victory over Tottenham on Saturday as they maintained their grip on the Premier League top spot.
The Gunners have now won seven of their eight league matches to date but this weekend’s victory was the sweetest so far for Mikel Arteta’s side. Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka were all on target in the victory, with Harry Kane’s first half penalty briefly bringing Spurs level.
It was a triumph that means Arsenal will finish the weekend top of the league ahead of Manchester City and continued the feel-good feeling at the Emirates. Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest stories coming out of a happy red half of North London.
Wenger’s title race verdict
Arsene Wenger has claimed Arsenal are the second best team in the Premier League this season, behind Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
The Gunners are flying high at the top of the table under the leadership of one of Wenger's former players in Mikel Arteta, having won seven of their opening eight games this season. The most recent of which came in the form of an emphatic 3-1 win over Tottenham at the Emirates in what was a fiercely contested derby day victory for Arsenal.
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Goals from Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus either side of a Harry Kane penalty were enough to give the Gunners dominance, before Granit Xhaka's strike wrapped up the three points for Arteta's men and maintain their status as league-leaders for at least another week.
Read Wenger’s analysis in full here
Ferdinand praises Saliba quality
Rio Ferdinand believes William Saliba's "composure" in pressurised situations is what makes him a top centre-back as the Arsenal defender was praised following the north London derby.
Mikel Arteta's side ran out 3-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka - stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points. It was a fine performance from the Gunners, but Saliba stood out despite not winning the Player of the Match.
The 21-year-old made the most recoveries (11), tackles (3) and clearances (3) on the pitch on Saturday afternoon as Arsenal recorded their seventh win from eight league matches. It wasn't just his defensive work that stood out, with Saliba completing 67 successful passes and having the most touches (77) out of any player on the park.
Read Ferdinand’s full praise of Saliba here
Gunners title talk forbidden
Aaron Ramsdale has revealed the whole Arsenal dressing room is refusing to talk about winning the Premier League title.
Ramsdale insists no one is getting carried away after just eight games and there is plenty of time for reigning champions Manchester City to do something “crazy.” Gunners goalkeeper Ramsdale says they are “loving” the ride but warned the fixture schedule ahead of the World Cup could be crucial.
Ramsdale said: “We’re a young team and literally we are going into a game trying to enjoy ourselves and winning. Then we’ll see where that takes us. This month, before the World Cup, we have three different competitions and we want to win in every single one of them.”
