North London derby win revives Arsenal's title hope

A spell that has seen Arsenal all but eliminated from both domestic cups may have still revitalised their title challenge.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

The worst week of Mikel Arteta’s season so far ends with the best possible result, which was a home win over Tottenham Hotspur.

That was admittedly half a Tottenham Hotspur, given the injuries that Ange Postecoglou has suffered might make even Arteta sympathise. The Spaniard won’t really care, though, given this 2-1 comeback served to cut Liverpool’s lead to a mere four points, albeit with a game more played.

There’s real life to the title race again. There’s also a badly needed calm around Arsenal. Spurs can’t quite say that, as they are now in 13th and just eight points above the relegation zone, with that potentially being 14th by Thursday night. There are significant caveats to that given that Postecoglou is almost playing with the last men – or boys – standing amid so many injuries.

It means you can’t be too critical, even if Spurs now face more doubts themselves. This was the first north London derby in 18 years that featured an 18-year-old and there were three of them. Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and especially Myles Lewis-Skelly still happened to be among the best performers on the pitch.