Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale kicks from the fans after their win over Tottenham | Premier League

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Aaron Ramsdale was kicked by a Tottenham fan in an infamous flashpoint after Arsenal won 2-0 away at the North London derby, with the goalkeeper describing it as a “sad” end to a memorable afternoon.

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League on the back of their latest assured performance but the post-match incident has cast a long shadow. The Metropolitan Police said they had “received a report of assault” and investigations were under way, and Tottenham vowed to ban the fan responsible.

Ramsdale was celebrating in front of the South Stand, sticking out his tongue and indicating that he had accepted the badge on his jersey. He infuriated Tottenham substitute Richarlison, with whom he clashed. Then, as players from both teams converged and Ramsdell headed to retrieve his drink bottle, a Tottenham fan jumped into the storeroom behind the goal and took the kick.

“Tottenham fans give me some [stick] Ramsdale said. “I gave them a little bit back, and the few people I’ve done that for were probably a good welcome, and they were like good sportsmanship. Then a fan jumped in and gave me a little whack.” [sic] At the back.

“That’s what happened and it’s a shame because it’s just football at the end of the day. Luckily nothing too serious happened. It’s a bit of a bite but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we get back to the dressing room.”

Arsenal have 47 points from 18 Premier League games – the most they’ve had at this stage of the season – and it was their first league double at Tottenham since 2013-14.

A jubilant Mikel Arteta did not want to talk about the Ramsdale incident, preferring to focus on the match. “I don’t want to take away 0.0001% of the joy and satisfaction we’re having at this moment,” said the Arsenal boss. “We’ll deal with that tomorrow.

“This win has a great emotional connection because there is a lot of history between the two clubs and it means a lot to our people to win this match. We are in a great position. Let’s enjoy the moment and stay focused. The fun will come if we stay focused on what we have to do.”

Arteta was asked if he thought Arsenal would need more than 90 points to win the title. He replied, “Yes, I do, 100%.” “It’s happened in the last few seasons so it almost takes perfection [to win]. “

Tottenham manager, Antonio Conte, and defender Eric Dier condemned the fan, the latter calling his actions “unacceptable”, and the Football Association said it would “work with the police, relevant authorities and clubs to ensure action is taken”.

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Tottenham said: “We have been appalled by the behavior of a fan who attempted to attack Aaron Ramsdal at the end of today’s game. Violence of any form has no place in football. The club have reviewed their CCTV footage to identify the fan and will work with Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdal to take the strongest possible action,” Tottenham said. Including an immediate ban from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association said such incidents occurred “often” and added: “We will continue to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their workplaces.”

In transfer news, Arteta has considered losing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Modric, who instead signed for Chelsea in a deal with an initial €70m (£62m) deal, potentially rising to €100m. “We have excellent players and we want to improve our squad in this transfer window,” Arteta said. “But we will do the deals we can do and the deals we feel are right for the club.”

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