Arsenal claimed the local bragging rights with a 5-2 victory over neighbours Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
However, the scoreline only tells half the story. Visiting Spurs took the lead through Emmanuel Adebayor, who was sent off moments later for a dangerous challenge on Santi Cazorla.
The hosts made their numerical advantage count, hitting five past their rivals for the second home match in succession.
Here, Sports Mole looks back over the 90 minutes to determine whether or not the result was a fair one.
Match statistics:
Arsenal:
Shots 13
On target 10
Possession 56%
Corners 6
Fouls 13
Tottenham:
Shots 6
On target 4
Possession 44%
Corners 6
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
There can be no doubt that Arsenal were the deserving victors. They took full advantage of having an extra man and created numerous chances. It may have been different had Adebayor stayed on the pitch because Spurs were dominating at the time. As it was, the Gunners won through.
Arsenal's performance
They started extremely shaky and were wobbling as Spurs took the lead in the 10th minute. The sending-off changed everything though. Having said that, it's not always easy to play against 10 men so credit must go to Arsenal for the way that they waltzed through the Tottenham rearguard time and time again.
Tottenham's performance
Spurs started the match brightly and were in the ascendancy. Understandably they struggled after Adebayor was dismissed. Andre Villas-Boas has been criticised at times this season, but he made a positive tactical move at the break which involved switching to three defenders. As a result his side put up a good fight and a 4-2, had a couple of chances to reduce the arrears further.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Olivier Giroud: The likes of Theo Walcott and Cazorla will legitimately feel that they deserve this award. However, it goes to a man who now looks to have settled in England. Not only did he score a goal, but he won the ball in the air and provided a physical presence up front that Arsenal have lacked for the last few years. He went about his business quietly today and did a very good team job.
Biggest gaffe
Moments after bringing his side to within two goals of Arsenal at 4-2, Tottenham winger Gareth Bale broke into the Arsenal box. However, he appeared to be in two minds between crossing and shooting, before opting to do the latter. The ball went wide, leaving Jermain Defoe fuming in the middle that he did not receive a low cross for a tap-in. That would have made it 4-3 and it would have been game on.
Referee performance
Howard Webb is England's best referee and he showed why in this match. He had no option but to dismiss Adebayor for a horrible tackle. Webb also allowed the game to flow and played advantage whenever it was possible - a fact highlighted during Arsenal's third goal of the match.
What next?
Arsenal: Following Champions League duty against Montpellier during the week, the Gunners travel to struggling Aston Villa next Saturday evening.
Tottenham: Like Arsenal, Spurs have a European encounter against Lazio on Thursday. On Sunday, they face another London derby at home to West Ham United.
Liam Apicella
