Gabriel's header earns Arsenal 1-0 win at Spurs in feisty derby

LONDON :Gabriel Magalhaes' second-half header earned Arsenal a crucial 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in a feisty north London derby on Sunday to keep pace with early Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Spurs started sharper and David Raya was forced into early saves, turning Dejan Kulusevski's first-time effort behind before he clawed away a dangerous cross from the Sweden winger.

Record signing Dominic Solanke, making his home debut, squandered a good opening in the 14th minute after Arsenal lost possession deep in their own half, taking too long on the ball and allowing William Saliba to recover.

Arsenal were missing captain Martin Odegaard through injury and Declan Rice through suspension, but dug deep impressively despite an under-strength midfield.

"It was difficult because we have lost a lot of important players for us," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.

"Those who waited for the chance trained and behaved in the right manner. This is the result."

The Gunners fought their way into the contest, with Guglielmo Vicario tested by a Kai Havertz header before Gabriel Martinelli was then played in brilliantly by Leandro Trossard but scuffed his shot with Bukayo Saka waiting centrally.

Jurrien Timber was perhaps fortunate to avoid a straight red card in the first half for a reckless challenge on Pedro Porro as he tried to retain possession.

His studs landed on Porro's ankle but referee Jarred Gillett deemed the incident was not serious foul play and VAR declined to intervene, much to the Spurs fans' anger.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with the hosts on top as Micky van de Ven tested Raya with a glancing header, before Arsenal again got a foothold in the game.

The game had been breathless but