Giroud scores to see off rivals Spurs

Arsenal, a team whose only business this summer had been 2 free transfers. However they overcame the spending power of their North London rivals Spurs as Giroud scored a vital goal to seal a fantastic win. It wasn't one of the best derbies we'd seen between the two but it was certainly the most fiercely contested due to Spurs massively strengthening the squad. The scenes at full time were incredible, vastly different to that of 2 weeks ago after the Villa game. Wenger's cheeky smile at the end of the game epitomised that. There were 2 changes to the side that had beat Fernerbahce in the week as Rosicky replaced the injured Podolski whilst Jenkinson came in for Sagna who was suffering from an illness. New signing Mathieu Flamini was on the bench, and when he came on it was like he'd never been away. He made some cracking tackles/blocks and was a work-horse in the middle of the park. Koscielny returned from suspension after missing Fulham last weekend.

Olivier Giroud scored once more as Arsenal beat rivals Spurs

The first shot on goal came from a free-kick on just 2 minutes after Rosicky had been brought down by Capoue. Cazorla was the man to take it but Lloris got across to make a great save.

A few minutes later Cazorla had another chance after Dembele committed a foul on Walcott. The Spaniard hit it low this time and it bounced inches wide of the post.

Tottenham's first chance fell to Soldado after Walker cut the ball back but Mertesacker was in the way to block the shot.

It wasn't long before the Gunners had the lead. Rosicky played a great ball in behind to Walcott who then found Giroud to delicately glide the ball into the back of the net.

It was then almost 2-0 as Ramsey did brilliantly down the right hand side to then find Walcott but his shot across goal was kept out by Lloris.

On the half hour mark Spurs had their first shot on target. Townsend managed to cut inside and then unleash a shot which Szczesny palmed away.

Moments later Aaron Ramsey had a chance to get on the score-sheet but he blazed his effort over the bar.

Theo Walcott was then to be denied by Lloris again as this time he came haring out of his goal and slid in to deny what would've been a certain goal.

Andros Townsend was proving to be Tottenham's best player on the day as he got another chance but it was straight at Szczesny.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal.

The first effort after the restart came from a free-kick but Chadli hit his shot over the wall and over the bar.

Just after the hour mark Giroud came within inches of doubling the Gunners lead. Cazorla broke away with the ball and then found Giroud who hit a deflected shot wide of Lloris' goal.

Now was to come a long stand of Tottenham pressure. Defoe hit a shot which flicked off of Koscielny and forced Szczesny into making a brilliant one handed save. The ball then came out to Paulinho who set up Soldado but his effort was blocked by a wall of Arsenal players standing in the way.

Kyle Walker was to then hit a shot from range but it bounced wide.

Amongst all of that, Arsenal found a chance to put the game to bed. Giroud did well down the right byline before teeing up Walcott. Lloris kept him at bay once more and then Monreal was denied a tap in by Walker.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere(42), Rosicky(78), Cazorla, Walcott(90), Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna(90), Monreal(78), Flamini(42), Zelalem, Gnabry, Sanogo.

Tottenham: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose, Capoue(75), Paulinho, Dembele(69), Townsend(75), Chadli, Soldado. 
Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Sandro(75), Holtby, Sigurdsson, Lamela(75),  Defoe(69).

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud.

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 60,071