RED, WHITE AND PHEW

Relief for Arsenal as they hold off Spurs' spirited fightback to stay at the summit in Prem title race

- JOHN CROSS

IN the end it was nailbiting, edge-of-the-seat torture for Arsenal.

But to win the big prizes you have to survive highpressure moments - even when they are self-inflicted.

Arsenal were 3-0 up at halftime and in complete control when they did their best to press the self-destruct button.

Gunners keeper David Raya's mistake gifted Spurs a way back, it got really tense after VAR gave a penalty against Declan Rice, and yet they held on.

It ended up being a huge win for Arsenal as the north London derby was arguably the hardest game of their run-in. But making it hard for yourself has become something of an Arsenal speciality and you'd imagine there will plenty more jitters before the season is through.

At the final whistle, the raucous away end had clean forgotten what had gone before because they were too busy celebrating and enjoying the moment.

Ultimately, Arsenal fans do not care how the victory is gained. At this stage of the season the three points are everything.

It was noticeable that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta went straight over to Raya to console the keeper, who has been so reliable and consistent this season.