Arsene Wenger is once again the mastermind of North London after Arsenal brush aside Tottenham
Gunners have now made it 11 straight home wins in the Prem - but can they play like they did against Spurs every week?
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ARSENE WENGER has faced more questions than you get on Mastermind — yet for every correct answer a new examination immediately follows.
Arsenal’s emphatic response to claims of a power shift in North London simply led critics to ask why they cannot play like this every week.
And despite silencing Emirates moaners with 11 straight home wins, they now head to fortress Turf Moor having to prove they can also get themselves up for a cold Sunday in Burnley.
After 21 years and almost 1,200 games in charge, Wenger has learned how to cope with the relentless inquisition.
His Gunners stars, though, still struggle to understand the concept that there is simply no pleasing some people.
Shkodran Mustafi turned in his most convincing performance since his £34.85million move to London last summer.
And the German centre-back, 25, was clearly stung by pre-match suggestions that no Arsenal players would make it into the current Spurs team.
He said: “All we were hearing is that Arsenal is dead, that we were not coming back and that we didn’t understand the significance of the derby.
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“I don’t understand why people outside the dressing room are talking about things they cannot know about. I guess it’s to cause the biggest s***.
“We keep saying we are still alive and we all believe in ourselves. So there is no point talking about what was said before the game, because we can all see who did their job and who didn’t.
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"I’m really pleased with the performance and with the great character we showed — but it’s not just about one match.
“We all know if you win the big games but lose the small ones, you’re not going to win the league, or even finish top four.
“If we win today and lose next weekend, we’re back to where we were. So it’s more about being consistent and that’s what we are working very hard to achieve.”
Mustafi was even more prickly when questioned as to just how close he was to leaving the Emirates in the summer.
Arsenal were open to a loan offer from Inter Milan but pulled the plug on deadline day when personal terms and a permanent transfer fee could not be agreed with the Italians.
But Mustafi snapped: “If I was or wasn’t talking to clubs is only rumours. All that matters is that I am still here, standing in front of you in an Arsenal shirt.”
It was Mustafi’s first goal of the season which set Arsenal on their way to a win which leaves them just a point behind Spurs — but still 12 off leaders Manchester City.
And Wenger is much more convinced about his German international defender now that he has moved into the centre of the back three.
The new system means his lack of pace is no longer exposed by balls into the channel.
Boss Wenger explained: “Mustafi is similar to Per Mertesacker on a mental front — but is ten years younger.
“He’s a leader and a motivator. He has a good focus and is strong in the challenge.
“You always need that kind of player in your defence because they have the whole picture in front of them.
"When you play at the back you can predict when trouble is coming and one word or direction can make a complete difference.”
Yet it was not just Mustafi who answered the doubts about his commitment to Arsenal.
Alexis Sanchez settled the match with his close-range finish just before the break, while fellow contract rebel Mesut Ozil received a standing ovation when he was replaced shortly before the end.
Mustafi insisted: “If you look at what Mesut has achieved, it’s stupid for people to come out and say, ‘He’s not good enough’.
“It’s not about what a player has done in the last three weeks. Judge his whole career and respect that.
“Alexis and Mesut are big, important players for Arsenal. They can create chances and score goals.
“Obviously everyone in the team wants them to stay but, in the end, it’s down to them to decide what they do.”
Wenger is equally uncertain as to how much longer he will be able to call on his biggest stars.
But the Frenchman has no doubts about their dedication for as long as they remain in North London.
He insisted: “When you get into the head of football people, you understand that they want to win every time they walk on to the pitch.
“Just because the contract situation is not always what they hope for, it doesn’t mean they think, ‘OK, this match doesn’t matter’.
“When they lose, they are accused of not wanting it enough. But that is not the case. These guys are winners.
