North London is red after Arsenal ran out comfortable winners over bitter rivals Tottenham .

First-half goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez earned the Gunners all three points at the Emirates.

Mustafi headed home Mesut Ozil's free-kick to open the scoring - but Spurs were left furious at the decision to award the set-piece.

Sanchez was then on hand to fire in the ball high into the net after being set up by Alexandre Lacazette.

The visitors made more of an impression after the break but were unable to find a way back into the match.

The result leaves Arsenal fifth in the Premier League, a point behind their neighbours.

Here are five talking points from the game...

Shkodran Mustafi celebrates opening the scoring (
Image:
Mike Hewitt)
Alexis Sanchez finds the net from a tight angle (
Image:
Shaun Botterill)

1. North London power shift

Come on, no-one gave Arsenal a chance did they? Those painful combined North London XIs dreamed up as Twitter clickbait had it all Tottenham. One laughably even had a team made up solely of Tottenham players. Oh dear.

Arsenal did not read the script. Arsene Wenger’s 21 year reign at Arsenal has been supported by a remarkable dominance over their North London neighbours. The tide may be turning but Tottenham have finished above Arsenal just once during that time.

So, Arsenal are not ready to give it up just yet. The derby still means everything and Arsenal proved it with a performance from the heart.

Mustafi and Sanchez were Arsenal's heroes (
Image:
AFP)

2. Eric Dier does not look a centre half

Tottenham were without arguably their best centre in Toby Alderweireld and therefore put Eric Dier back into the back three.

But, despite doing well in midfield, Dier is not convincing in defence. A few weeks back it was Dier’s mistake that played a part in Manchester United’s winner at Old Trafford. Jan Vertonghen looked vulnerable at the Emirates and Dier does not knit them together as effectively as Alderweireld.

It’s all a bit of a worry as Gareth Southgate also views Dier as playing in the middle of the back three for England and it looks like there’s work to be done.

Eric Dier struggled in defence for Tottenham (
Image:
AFP)

3. Moussa Sissoko reinventing himself

Tottenham were not at their best but Sissoko’s role and reinvigoration this season continues to catch the eye.

The £30m signing looked a misfit on the wing but playing centrally with Mousa Dembele gives Tottenham a physical presence in midfield.

Interestingly, when Mauricio Pochettino made his first substitution with Harry Winks it was Dembele rather than Sissoko who made way.

Moussa Sissoko has turned a corner in his Spurs career (
Image:
PA)

4. Arsenal’s golden triangle

Arsenal’s front three of Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have not started together very often for various reasons.

But surely this is the template for Arsenal if they are to have a good season. Lacazette’s movement and link-up play has improved, Sanchez has passion and energy while even Ozil tracked back and worked.

The trio have a nice understanding and - home or away - must be the way forward.

The downside was when Lacazette was subbed for Francis Coquelin, it got the biggest boo of the afternoon from Arsenal fans.

Alexandre Lacazette almost got on the scoresheet (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

5. Mike Dean

Arsenal fans have made referee Mike Dean public enemy No.1, even booing him before kick-off when his name was read out.

Dean is a showman, likes being centre of attention and a few decisions - bookings and let-offs - did not enhance his popularity.

But actually Dean had a decent game, let it flow and there surely cannot be too many complaints.

Mike Dean was not popular with Tottenham (
Image:
AFP)
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