Gabriel’s second-half header gave Arsenal a decisive 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling north London derby on Sunday, keeping Arsenal level with leaders Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur started sharper and David Raya had to make an early save, stopping a shot from Dejan Kulusevski behind the goal and then saving a dangerous cross from the Swedish winger.

Record signing Dominic Solanke, making his home debut, wasted a good chance in the 14th minute after Arsenal lost the ball deep in their own half. He took too long to collect the ball, giving William Saliba the chance to get it back.

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Arsenal fought their way into the match, with Guglielmo Vicario being confronted by a header from Kai Havertz, only for Gabriel Martinelli to miss his shot and Bukayo Saka to take centre stage.

Jurriën Timber was perhaps lucky to avoid a red card in the first half for a reckless foul on Pedro Porro while trying to keep the ball.

His studs landed on Porro’s ankle, but referee Jarred Gillett ruled there was no serious foul play and VAR refused to intervene, much to the dismay of Spurs fans.

Gillett handed out seven yellow cards in the first half, a Premier League record for a first period, just a day after the record for an entire match was broken in Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth.

The second half started similarly to the first, with the home side ahead and Micky van de Ven testing Raya with a header, before Arsenal regained control of the game.

The game was breathtaking and lacking in quality in front of goal until Arsenal punished Spurs with a corner, as they had done twice in their 3-2 away win in April last season.

Gabriel escaped Cristian Romero far too easily, who begged in vain for a foul, and headed the ball past Vicario from close range in the 64th minute.

Arsenal held out against the pressure of Spurs in the closing stages, who created few real chances and had to shoot from distance. The Gunners seemed content with a one-goal lead.

The win, the third in a row against their great rivals, means Arsenal now have 10 points from four games, moving them two points behind champions Manchester City ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur, who are again regretting missed chances, have four points from four games.