TAKING THE VIC
North London derby descends into chaos as Arsenal star grabs Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario after nasty tackle
Both players involved in the bust up were put in the book
THE North London derby descended into CHAOS in the first half after a face-off between Jurrien Timber and Guglielmo Vicario sparked fury.
Players from both teams rushed into a melee by the goal line after Timber had put in a reckless challenge and been confronted by the Spurs keeper.
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It wouldn't be the North London derby without some boiling tempers and on-pitch drama - and Timber ensured that this clash was no different.
The Dutchman went into a 50/50 challenge with Pedro Porro and saw his foot slide on top of the ball, giving Jarred Gillett no choice but to reach for a yellow card.
However, Timber had other ideas, continuing with the ball at his feet until he reached the byline next to Vicario's goal.
The Spurs keeper was less than impressed with what he had seen from Timber and confronted his Arsenal counterpart.
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The versatile Gunners full-back didn't take kindly to being questioned and immediately grabbed Vicario's shirt round the collar with both hands.
The fracas sparked a reaction from both teams with players from both sides rushing to their team-mates' aid.
Thankfully things didn't get much further than some heated exchanges before referee Gillett was able to calm things down.
Ultimately the Aussie official dished out a yellow card for Timber's tackle and another one to Vicario for his aggressive confrontation of the Dutchman.
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Arsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derby
GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.
Here's how SunSport's Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players...
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs' flying right side of Johnson and Porro.
Some would argue he should've been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.
You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn't disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too.
GABRIEL – 9
A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock).
Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He's the man.
BEN WHITE – 6
Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.
Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn't threatened in the second 45.
JORGINHO – 4
Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.
A tough task, but didn't come close to matching Rice's intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.
Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.
Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he's used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him.
Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Didn't make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with.
Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel's opener.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net - actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45.
Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Spurs fans watching on began chanting for Timber to be dismissed, but a lengthy VAR check ruled that the tackle was "reckless" rather than "dangerous" - meaning a yellow card was the appropriate punishment.
However, the Dutchman could easily have received an immediate second booking for his confrontation with Vicario.
Arsenal ratings: Gabriel puts in impeccable display in North London Derby but Rice replacement struggles
Gillett wasn't scared to dip in his pocket throughout the first half, giving out SEVEN yellow cards in the first 45 minutes.
That tied the all-time Premier League record.
As for the football, it was a relatively even first half - perhaps a surprise given Arsenal's depleted options in the middle of the park.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock before the break, setting up a huge second half for the bragging rights of North London.
And it was Arsenal who took advantage, despite fielding an injury-depleted side.
Towering centre-half Gabriel rose head and shoulders above everyone else to nod home a second half header - the only goal of the game.
The Gunners worked hard for their 1-0 victory, especially given the absences of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
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