Gabriel Magalhaes headed Arsenal to a 1-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday as the Gunners overcame the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to extend their north London derby dominance.

Mikel Arteta’s side were without skipper Odegaard due to an ankle injury suffered on Norway duty, while Rice served a suspension for his red card against Brighton.

Losing two such influential players appeared to make Arsenal vulnerable on their trip up the Seven Sisters Road to face their bitter rivals.

The Brazilian defender’s first goal since February made it three wins from four league games for unbeaten Arsenal as they chase a first title since 2004 after two successive runners-up finishes.

Arsenal have now won on their last three visits to Tottenham, losing just once, in May 2022, in their last eight meetings with their hated neighbours.

Gabriel Magalhaes led Arsenal to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, as the Gunners managed to triumph despite missing key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, thereby reinforcing their dominance in the north London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s squad was without captain Odegaard, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty, while Rice was serving a suspension following his red card against Brighton.

The absence of these pivotal players initially seemed to put Arsenal at a disadvantage during their visit to face their fierce rivals.

However, the Premier League title contenders displayed remarkable resilience, capitalizing on Tottenham's inability to convert chances before Gabriel scored the decisive goal in the second half.

This marked the Brazilian defender's first goal since February, contributing to Arsenal's impressive record of three wins in four league matches as they pursue their first title since 2004, following two consecutive second-place finishes.

Arsenal has now secured victories in their last three trips to Tottenham, suffering only one defeat in their last eight encounters with their local rivals.

Currently in second place, the Gunners trail Manchester City by two points as they prepare for their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday, followed by a clash with Pep Guardiola’s champions next weekend.

The 196th north London derby showcased Arsenal's tenacity and spirit, although they were fortunate to escape unscathed in the first half as Tottenham squandered several opportunities.

The inability to convert dominant phases into goals has been a recurring issue for Tottenham this season, and once again, Ange Postecoglou’s side was hindered by their lack of finishing quality.

With this latest defeat, Tottenham has managed only one win in four matches, marking a concerning start to the season for Postecoglou after a disappointing finish last term that cost them a top-four position.

In response to the absences of Rice and Odegaard, Arteta turned to Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli, urging his team to demonstrate the “resilience, depth, and hunger” necessary to navigate their selection challenges.

Set-Piece Experts

Arsenal had to rely on their skills during a dynamic opening from Tottenham, with David Raya making an impressive save at his near post after Son Heung-min’s pass found Dejan Kulusevski for a quick strike.

Raya showcased even greater agility when Kulusevski’s cross zipped through a crowd of players toward the far corner, and the Spaniard managed to claw it away at full stretch.

William Saliba executed a vital last-minute tackle to thwart the unmarked Dominic Solanke, who hesitated too long to shoot inside the box after Son pressured Arsenal into losing possession.

Tottenham’s missed opportunities provided Arsenal with a boost, and Kai Havertz leaped highest for a close-range header that forced an excellent save from Guglielmo Vicario, who also denied Martinelli’s curling effort moments later.

After being set up by James Maddison’s cross, Solanke skillfully held off Gabriel, but his looping header went just wide.

In the midst of a series of aggressive challenges, the escalating derby tension erupted when Jurrien Timber’s tackle on Pedro Porro left the Tottenham right-back in pain on the ground.

Vicario confronted the Arsenal defender, resulting in both players receiving yellow cards after a scuffle that included a plastic bottle thrown from the stands.

By the time Kulusevski clumsily fouled Jorginho just before half-time, seven players had been cautioned in a heated encounter, with five from Tottenham.

Micky van de Ven’s glancing header tested Raya shortly after the break, but a lackluster Tottenham was struck by a harsh counterattack in the 64th minute.

With 23 goals from set-pieces since the beginning of last season, Arsenal has established themselves as dead-ball specialists, and this was yet another expertly executed routine.

Saka’s in-swinging corner targeted Gabriel, who managed to escape a push on Cristian Romero before powering his header past Vicario from close range.

Tottenham pressed Arsenal back in the final moments, but they were unable to break through as Kulusevski shot just over the bar.