Key questions about both sides’ forwards went unanswered in a game where Spurs and Arsenal showed their flaws
After all the optimistic talk, the north-London derby was a sobering reminder for Arsenal of just how much still needs to be done, just how pervasive are the problems Mikel Arteta inherited. And while the victory lifted Tottenham above Arsenal, and for all this in some respects resembled a classic José Mourinho mugging, it was a result that did little to clear the doubts about the manager and his approach.
Spurs won because their defence were less chaotic than Arsenal’s but the picture, really, was of two attacks seeking an identity. At least it was possible to discern a Tottenham attack, which wasn’t the case against Everton or Bournemouth.
Related: Toby Alderweireld punishes Arsenal errors to give Spurs derby glory
Related: Why Tottenham are stagnating under José Mourinho, who has yet to evolve | Jonathan Wilson
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