English Premier League leaders Arsenal have put on a masterclass to overwhelm shell-shocked north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 away and extend the gap at the top table to eight points.
The Gunners flew out of the blocks from the opening whistle, and built a first-half lead through a clumsy own goal by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris and a sublime strike from Martin Odegaard.
Tottenham were totally outplayed by a fired-up Arsenal side determined to make amends for a loss at Spurs that ultimately cost them a top-four place last season.
They dominated the first half and battled gamely in the second, leaving Spurs boss Antonio Conte looking glum on the sidelines, as he clapped his hands to rally his sorry side.
Needing one more goal to equal Jimmy Greaves' all-time Spurs scoring record, striker Harry Kane had chances either side of the break, but keeper Aaron Ramsdale was equal to them.
The win puts Arsenal on 47 points from 18 games, ahead of Manchester City on 39, with Newcastle United, who have played a game more, and Manchester United a further point back.
Spurs are in fifth place, with 33 points from 19 matches.
Meanwhile, a second-half goal from Kai Havertz proved enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, easing the pressure on manager Graham Potter, after a poor run of form.
The German striker nodded in a cross from Hakim Ziyech in the 65th minute, after a short corner. It was only the second league win in 10 matches for the home side, who remain in 10th place halfway through the season.
Chelsea were on top for much of the lively if scrappy derby, but Palace kept goalkeeper Kepa busy with efforts from Tyrick Mitchell, Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, and he was forced into a leaping save from Cheick Doucoure towards the end of the second half.
Midway through the first half, Chelsea announced Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk had become their fifth signing of the January transfer window and the 22-year-old waved to fans from the pitch at halftime, a Ukraine flag draped round his shoulders.
Reuters
