Arsenal Finds Renewed Hope After Masterful Performance Against Tottenham

What appeared to be another disastrous season on the horizon for Arsenal, fans have reason to believe that things are finally heading in the right direction.

Former Arsenal defender-turned-BBC pundit Martin Keown analyzed the importance of Arsenal's win over the Tottenham Hotspurs.

Keown was quick to give the credit to heavily-criticized manager Mikel Arteta, thanks to his adjustments prior to the match.

“It looks to me as if he used the time he had when the players went away for the international break in September to really have a close examination of himself and his methods, and find a team he feels he can trust,” said Keown to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.

Arteta opted to make some personnel changes that helped spur the win.

The defense featured Brazilian Gabriel and a returning Ben White at center-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was tapped as right-back and Aaron Ramsdale was the designated goalkeeper.

On the other hand, Bukayo Saka played out on the right-wing. Furthermore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led the charge for the offense.

“They have all been really good decisions and it seems as if the manager has got his finger on the pulse with what his best system is, and also the best personnel to play it,” the former player stated.

Arsenal appeared to be on the right track this season after defeating Norwich City and Burnley in consecutive wins before thrashing AFC Wimbledon this past Wednesday to the tune of a three-goal victory.

Taking that momentum heading into their home matchup against the Tottenham Hotspurs, Arsenal appeared to finally start believing in themselves.

“The desire they showed to go after the game, and really tear into Tottenham, meant it was probably as good a first half as we have seen from Arteta's Arsenal,” Keown said.

Arsenal youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Saka were the undisputed stars of the show as they broke down the Tottenham Hotspurs defense repeatedly, en route to scoring one goal apiece at the 12th and 34th minute respectively.

Aubameyang helped seal the deal with a goal of his own at the 27th minute, helping Arsenal improve to 10th place in the English Premier League.

Arteta’s side is set to visit Brighton on Saturday, October 2 as they continue to build momentum in what has been an interesting season for the Gunners thus far.

“There is still so much work to do--Arsenal is just rebuilding their reputation at the moment, no more than that--but days like this could prove to be big moments in that process,” Keown shared.