Arteta hails Arsenal 'courage' as leaders sink Spurs before fan attack

Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal's "courage" as the Premier League leaders powered to a 2-0 win at arch-rivals Tottenham before keeping their cool when goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked by a fan after the final whistle on Sunday.

Arteta's side were gifted the lead by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who pushed Bukayo Saka's cross into his own net early in the first half.

Martin Odegaard added Arsenal's second goal with a superb long-range strike before the interval.

Arsenal's first league double over Tottenham since 2013-14 moved them eight points clear of second placed Manchester City.

But their celebrations were tarnished by an ugly conclusion to the derby when a Spurs fan jumped onto the pitch and tried to kick Ramsdale after the Arsenal keeper clashed with Tottenham's Richarlison.

"The Spurs fans were giving me some throughout the second half, I gave them some back, then the fan jumped over," Ramsdale said.

"It's a sour taste but thankfully nothing too drastic happened."

Asked about the flashpoint, Arteta added: "I just want to talk about football and the beautiful game we just played.

"I loved the way we played and the courage we showed. Everything we ask, they are so willing to try. They are a terrific group of players.

"I think today we went another step. We won last season in big stadiums, but the way we won today was really pleasing."

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte condemned the fan attack, saying: "If it happened, it is not good. We always have to show respect for an opponent and the players. I don't like it."

As Arsenal's unexpected title charge gathers pace, their trip to fifth placed Tottenham was a significant test of their mettle.

They passed with flying colours at a venue which had been a house of horrors for the