LONDON — In an electrifying north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over their rivals Tottenham Hotspur, making a significant statement early in the Premier League season.

Despite missing several key players, including Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice due to injuries, Arsenal emerged victorious, with Gabriel scoring the only goal of the match. This win brings Arsenal’s points tally to 10 from their first four games, showcasing their resilience and depth.

On the other side, Tottenham, under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, had their chances, dominating possession for extended periods. However, they were unable to convert their opportunities into goals, suffering their second consecutive defeat and leaving them with just four points from four matches.

Here are three crucial insights we gleaned from the intense clash between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Arsenal's Squad Depth is Remarkably Strong

Even with major absentees, Arsenal demonstrated their robust squad depth. Players like Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, and Leandro Trossard stepped up, ensuring the team maintained composure and effectiveness despite being a shadow of their full strength. The Gunners adapted their playing style, ceding some possession while focusing on exploiting counter-attacks, which played to their advantage in a high-stakes match such as this.

Looking ahead, Arsenal faces a challenging schedule with a fixture against Atalanta on Thursday, followed by a high-profile match against Manchester City on Sunday. Arteta's ability to rotate and manage his squad effectively could be key in navigating this busy period, especially as the team seeks to maintain their title challenge against City.

Pressure Grows on Tottenham's Solanke

Dominic Solanke, recently signed for an eye-watering $85 million, is under increasing scrutiny after failing to find the back of the net for Spurs this season. His performance against Arsenal epitomized the pressure he faces — missing crucial chances in front of goal, leading to frustrated reactions from the home crowd. As Tottenham struggles with finishing, Solanke’s inability to convert promising opportunities only exacerbates the concerns about their attacking prowess.

With both Son Heung-min and James Maddison also lacking sharpness, the alarm bells are ringing at Spurs as they navigate an early-season rut. Unless Solanke can find his scoring boots, Spurs may find themselves in a precarious position, struggling to mount a serious challenge in the league.

Timber Is an Ideal Fit for Arsenal

Acquisition Jurrien Timber has been proving to be a perfect match for Arsenal's game philosophy. His versatility in defense allows Arteta the flexibility to switch formations and tactics seamlessly. Timber’s intelligence on the field facilitates both defensive stability and attacking support, making him a crucial player moving forward as Arsenal battle for the title.

Overall, the derby showcased Arsenal’s grit and depth while putting Tottenham’s struggles into sharp focus. With the season still in its early stages, the ramifications of this match could be significant as both teams strive for their respective goals.