Arsenal Legend Contends Controversial North London Derby Winner Should Have Been Overturned at Tottenham

Not only did Mikel Arteta secure a significant victory over their fierce rivals, but it also marked his fifth win against Spurs since becoming the manager of Arsenal in 2019. This win is a major boost for Arteta and the Gunners.

With Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard missing through suspension and injury respectively, Arsenal were forced to dig deep in the closing stages, as their set piece prowess proved vital.

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Bukayo Saka's corner caused problems for the Tottenham defence and Gabriel outjumped Cristian Romero to head home.

However, despite the wild celebrations in the away end at full time, former Arsenal star Paul Merson claims the goal could easily have been ruled out.

Was there a foul in the build-up to Arsenal's goal? pic.twitter.com/3Dnm2PGd1I

The Spurs players immediately surrounded referee Jarred Gillett after the goal, claiming a foul by Arsenal's No.6, and Merson believes they had a case.

"I’d be disappointed if I (as Romero) didn’t get a foul", he said.

"However, he’s in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending. He’s a center-back, and an international, you’ve got to be side-on. You’ve got to be seeing the ball and your player.

"To start off with you’ve got to be a hands length away, and he’s standing with him. But, I’d still expect a foul."

Arsenal's win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stretches their unbeaten start to the EPL season to four games ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign kickoff at Atalanta on September 19.