The classy Arsenal fired Spurs further into their lead at the top

LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) – Leaders Arsenal produced a masterclass to beat shock north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 away to extend their gap at the top of the Premier League to eight points on Sunday.

The Gunners flew off the mark from the opening whistle and built a first-half lead through a clumsy own goal from Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and a sublime strike from Martin Odegaard.

Tottenham beat an all-fire Arsenal side led by Mikel Arteta, who were determined to make amends to Spurs for last season’s defeat that ultimately cost them a top-four finish.

They dominated the first half and battled gamely in the second, with Spurs boss Antonio Conte looking grim on the sidelines as he clapped his hands in apology.

Striker Harry Kane, who needed one more goal to equal Jimmy Greaves’ all-time Spurs goalscoring record, had chances either side of the break but goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was level with them.

The win takes Arsenal to 47 points from 18 games, ahead of Manchester City on 39, with Newcastle United, who have played more games, and Manchester United a point further back.

Spurs are fifth with 33 points from 19 matches.

Reported by Ken Ferris; Surgery by Pritha Sarkar

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