EPL 2017/18: Arsenal vs Tottenham: 5 Talking Points 

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Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier LeagueArsenal won the battle for North London supremacy with a comfortable 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, that took them to only 1 point behind their rivals in the table.

Shkodran Mustafi opened the scoring with a towering header in the 36th minute, before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 in the 41st minute.

Here are the major talking points from the game:

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#1 Tottenham felt the absence of Toby Alderweireld deeply

Tottenham Hotspur v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League

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The problem with such a well-oiled, slick machine that is Tottenham Hotspur is that when a single cog breaks, things can fall apart rather easily.

That is precisely what happened today, as Eric Dier looked uncomfortable in the heart of defence alongside Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez as the replacement for the injured Toby Alderweireld. Dier was culpable of slowing down when Alexis charged to the near post to score the second goal, something Alderweireld would also not have been guilty off.

The Belgian might also may have made a difference for Mustafi's opening goal, although Arsenal are the best in the air in the Premier League. Yes, really:

Arsenal have scored 24 headed goals since the start of last season - more than any other team in the Premier League.

— Orbinho (@Orbinho) November 18, 2017

Dier's move into defence also unbalanced the Spurs midfield, which allowed the duo of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey to deal with Sossoko and Dembele with ease.

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