Gabriel’s second-half header gave Arsenal a crucial 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in a heated north London derby on Sunday and enabled the team to keep pace with early Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Spurs started more focused and David Raya had to make early saves, denying Dejan Kulusevski’s direct effort before parrying a dangerous cross from the Swedish winger.
Record signing Dominic Solanke, making his home debut, wasted a good chance in the 14th minute after Arsenal lost possession deep in their own half, took too long on the ball and gave William Saliba the opportunity to win it back.
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Arsenal fought their way back into the game, with Guglielmo Vicario tested by a Kai Havertz header before Gabriel Martinelli miscued his shot with Bukayo Saka waiting in the middle.
Jurriën Timber was perhaps lucky to avoid a red card in the first half for a reckless foul on Pedro Porro, who was attempting to retain possession of the ball.
His studs landed on Porro’s ankle, but referee Jarred Gillett did not consider the incident a serious foul and the video referee refrained from intervening, much to the annoyance of Spurs fans.
Gillett handed out seven yellow cards in the first half – a Premier League record for a first half, just a day after the record for an entire game was broken in Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth.
The second half began in a similar way to the first: the hosts were dominant and Micky van de Ven tested Raya with a glancing header before Arsenal got back into the game.
The game was breathless but the quality in front of goal was rather poor until Arsenal punished Spurs with a corner, something they had already done twice in their 3-2 away win in April last season.
Gabriel escaped Cristian Romero’s futile appeal for a foul far too easily and headed the ball powerfully past Vicario from close range in the 64th minute.
Arsenal withstood Spurs’ pressure in the closing stages, with Spurs creating few real chances and only shooting from distance, while the Gunners seemed content with their one-goal lead.
This victory, their third in a row away from home against their arch-rivals, leaves Arsenal on ten points from four games, two points behind champions Manchester City, ahead of their trip to the Etihad next Sunday.
Spurs once again have to mourn their missed opportunities and have four points from four games.
