Sun Sep 15 16:54:52 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal’s Gritty Win Over Spurs Boosts Title Hopes

**LONDON -** Arsenal’s ability to win even when not playing their best could be the key to their Premier League title aspirations, manager Mikel Arteta said after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header secured Arsenal’s third straight north London derby win away from home, a crucial victory that keeps them in the title race.

Arteta praised his team’s resilience, particularly in the closing stages where they held off a late Spurs onslaught. “They threw everything at us, they tried today, but I think we looked more composed, better organized and gave very, very little away,” Arteta told reporters.

Despite missing key players like captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, Arsenal’s makeshift midfield held firm against a wasteful Spurs side.

“In order to love the game and win, you have to do a lot of things that sometimes people call them ugly,” Arteta said. “Enjoying doing those ugly things is a big compliment for this team.”

The victory, coming just days before a pivotal clash against Manchester City, has given Arsenal a crucial boost. They will now travel to the Etihad with the chance to go top of the league.

“This game felt almost essential for us,” said Arteta. “With City having earned 91 points on average in the last three seasons, this trip could have been make or break for our title credentials.”

“Now, with a gritty three points in the bag, we have a chance to go top.”

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