Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table after nervously edging past Tottenham 3-2 in the north London derby.
Arsenal have profited regularly from set pieces this season. In fact, before the trip to Tottenham, the Gunners had scored a mammoth 14 from corners – the most in the Premier League. And Arteta’s men extended their lead at the top of that statistic with two more against their arch-rivals.
First, Saka whipped in a delightful in-swinging corner into the box which, after pressure from several Arsenal attackers, was headed into his net by the unfortunate Hojbjerg.
Arsenal then added their 16th goal from a corner this season just before half-time. Havertz headed home from close range after getting on the end of an enticing Declan Rice delivery.
After going behind, Tottenham thought they had equalized midway through the first half as Van de Ven pounced on a loose ball before firing past a hapless Raya. The Dutchman showed composure to keep his cool after Pedro Porro had seen his initial strike blocked.
However, as the Spurs players walked back to their half for the game to restart, the goal was disallowed. Following a VAR check, Van de Ven was adjudged to have just been in an offside position and leaning beyond the last man when Porro shot, sparking fury among the home faithful.
Having scored just once in his previous seven Premier League appearances coming into the north London derby, Saka has come under criticism for his recent form. But the Arsenal forward responded and got back on to the scoresheet during their thumping victory against Tottenham.
In the 27th minute, Saka latched on to a long pass before driving into the box. He then kept his composure, drifted on to his favoured left foot and coolly side-footed the ball past Guglielmo Vicario. It was a fine finish from the England international, who now has 15 league goals this season.
Victory for Arsenal moves them four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, significantly boosting their hopes of winning a first title since 2004. Many foresaw the trip to Tottenham as their hardest fixture remaining, but Arteta’s side came through the test with flying colours.
However, the Gunners have played two more games than second-placed Manchester City, who travel to face relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest later on Sunday. Arsenal are on a blistering run in 2024, having won 13 of their last 15 Premier League matches, losing just one.