Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne is in contention for Thursday's match against Tottenham after dealing with a "personal issue".

Belgium international De Bruyne did not take part in training with the rest of his City team-mates on Tuesday, with his absence initially thought to be down to an injury problem.

The 31-year-old was therefore considered a major doubt to face Spurs, but Guardiola dismissed those fears on the eve of the Premier League meeting.

"He had a personal issue and could not train [on Tuesday], but today he is back," Guardiola said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

Asked if De Bruyne is available for Tottenham's visit to the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola replied: "Yes, yes."

De Bruyne has assisted 15 goals this season – 10 more than next-best Bernardo Silva – and has created more than double the number of chances of any team-mate (80).

In a further boost for City, Guardiola also revealed centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones have recovered from injury lay-offs and could play a part against Tottenham.

Dias has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury with Portugal at the World Cup, while Stones has missed City's past two matches.

"They are back. They have trained really well in the last two sessions, both of them. They are in contention," Guardiola said.

"We are going to train this afternoon and see the way we have to play and who is going to play."

City have lost four of their past five Premier League games against Tottenham, which is as many as they had in their previous 19 against them.

Indeed, Guardiola has lost six of his 15 meetings with Spurs – only against Chelsea (eight), Liverpool (eight) and Manchester United (seven) has he lost more often in his managerial career.

The reigning English champions have lost back-to-back matches in all competitions and trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by eight points.

Pep Guardiola quipped he has "never been relaxed" as his Manchester City side attempt to chase down Premier League leaders Arsenal.

City lost 2-1 in the Manchester derby on Saturday, paving the way for Arsenal to take an eight-point lead at the summit of the table following the Gunners' win over Tottenham.

Spurs are next up for City, who will be in third by the time Thursday's match at the Etihad Stadium takes place, should Manchester United beat Crystal Palace.

Asked if being the chaser, rather than the leader, meant City could be more relaxed, Guardiola, who celebrated his 52nd birthday on Wednesday, scoffed at the suggestion.

"Relaxed? I have never been relaxed, even if eight points in front," he said. "Before and during a game, I've never been relaxed."

Indeed, Guardiola explained he would rather be the team looking to preserve an advantage in the table than the one having to close ground.

"It's better, you can drop points and still be [ahead]. When you are behind you cannot drop points," City's manager added.

"The pressure is the next game. We're not able to think about big expectations, just win the next game. At the end the competition will dictate. If [Arsenal] are in front, they deserve it.

"Many games to play, it's how we come back. The next game is the only important thing. Win the next game, after we will see what happens.

"We have been in this position many times in the past, many times. It's not the first time we are there."

Guardiola said after the derby defeat that City must find a way to get Erling Haaland, who has netted 21 times in the league this season, more involved in their all-round play.

He refuted the idea that City are struggling to fully adapt to Haaland, however.

"We have played really good with him, so it's not about that," he said. "To create more chances, we have to provide more to him and the other strikers.

"Our fluidity has not been as good as usual. You have to be better to create chances, to open up the defensive lines. We've struggled in the last two games."

City have lost four of their last five Premier League games against Tottenham (W1), as many as they had in their previous 19 against them (W12 D3), while they have also failed to win either of their last two top-flight matches at home, losing to Brentford and drawing against struggling Everton.

Guardiola has been boosted by the return of John Stones and Ruben Dias, with the defenders available for selection.

City were on the end of a contentious decision in Saturday's loss at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes' equaliser allowed to stand despite Marcus Rashford having been in an offside position and seemingly interfering with play.

Guardiola has already put it behind him, however, saying: "It's always in the past, it's not going to change anything now.

"The focus is on Tottenham, that was my message to the team two minutes after [the United game].

"We have to improve our game, control what we can control. This is what big teams have to do. It's [in] the past."

Chelsea may not be finished with their January signings, reportedly joining Tottenham in the pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion winger Leandro Trossard.

Trossard, 28, is in his fourth season with the Seagulls, and after never scoring more than eight Premier League goals in each of his previous three campaigns, he is on pace to set a new personal-best with seven in his first 16 appearances.

His exploits this season have included a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool, as well as goals against Manchester City and Chelsea, but he recently butted heads with head coach Roberto De Zerbi and has been left out of Brighton's last two matchday squads.

The Belgium international with 24 senior caps has also had his agent announce his intention to leave the club this month, triggering plenty of interest from fellow Premier League sides.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA WANT TROSSARD TO RECREATE MAGIC WITH POTTER

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are understood to now be a main player along with Tottenham and also Arsenal as the three clubs compete for Trossard's services.

Trossard had only six months remaining on his contract on the south coast, before Brighton reportedly activated a 12-month extension to ensure he would not be able to leave the club on a free transfer.

It is believed Chelsea have the most spending power of the trio, even after their £88.5million purchase of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Trossard remains a favourite of his former boss Graham Potter.

His asking price has been set at £25m, while the report adds any potential deal for fellow Brighton talent 21-year-old Moises Caicedo – also of interest to Chelsea as well as Liverpool – would cost "more than double" that £25m figure.

ROUND-UP

– The Mirror is reporting West Ham would like to bring in 29-year-old Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire on loan.

– According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have enquired about 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, but have been told he will not be available this month and will cost €100m (£88.5m) at the end of the season.

– Barcelona are hoping to secure 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season, per the Telegraph.

– Fichajes is reporting Arsenal will attempt to sign Chelsea's Raheem Sterling after failing to land the 28-year-old England international prior to his move to Stamford Bridge last year.

– According to The Independent, Real Madrid and Juventus are monitoring United 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho after he rejected the club's most recent contract extension.

Antonio Conte believes there is a "bad habit" in English football of sporting directors not having to address the media.

Conte's Tottenham lost 2-0 to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday and face Manchester City in their next Premier League outing on Thursday.

Spurs have won only one of their last four league games and are five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, having played a game more than Erik ten Hag’s team.

Conte has regularly suggested he wants more signings to bolster Tottenham's squad, despite a spending splurge in the last transfer window.

However, the Italian suggested sporting directors or directors of football should also face the press, as they do in his homeland, rather than just managers.

"In England I think there's a bad habit that it's only the coach talks and explains. I've never seen the medical department coming here to explain," he said in a press conference on Tuesday, seemingly referring to Fabio Paratici, Spurs' managing director of football.

"It's the same, I've never seen the club nor the sporting director coming here to explain the strategy of the club. In Italy, before every game there's a person from the club that goes to speak to the media.

"I think for us it could be better, otherwise there is only one face to explain the situation that I think is better for the club to explain. In Italy it's different.

"Otherwise, it means that only if the coach talks there can be a misunderstanding. I think it could be good for the club to be present in the media.

"Not every week, but at least every 15 days or once a month. I think it could be more simple for you to understand and not always the same. Otherwise, it can seem if something is a criticism or negative and it's not the case."

While Conte would no doubt like to add to his ranks in January, Spurs have plenty of world-class talent to call on.

One of those players, Son Heung-min, has struggled to replicate the form he showed last season, scoring just four league goals in 17 appearances.

"Last season he scored 25 goals," Conte said of Son. "This season he's not scoring so much. For us it's not good news because we count on his goals.

"We are not talking about robots, but about a person – a human. I'm the first to hope that Sonny starts to score with the pressure or without the pressure."

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to target Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who may leave the Serie A leaders at the end of the season.

Osimhen, 24, became Napoli's club-record signing when he arrived at the club for €70million in July 2020, and he has met all expectations.

After scoring 14 goals in 27 league appearances last season, Osimhen has raised the bar, finding the back of the net 12 times with four assists during his 14 league fixtures in 2022-23.

With Napoli nine points clear at the Serie A summit and seeking their first title since the 1989-90 season, a January sale is off the table, but talks are expected to heat up at the end of the campaign.

TOP STORY – NAPOLI SLAP €150M PRICE TAG ON PREMIER LEAGUE TARGET OSIMHEN

According to Il Mattino, Napoli believe that if Chelsea new-boy Mykhaylo Mudryk is worth €100m (£88.5m), then Osimhen is worth €150m (£133m).

The Nigerian international's contract ties him to the Italian side until 2025, giving I Partenopei enough leverage to hold firm at what they believe is a fair valuation, but they will be forced to listen to offers at the end of the season if he shows no indication of signing an extension.

The report states Arsenal, United and Newcastle have already made their interest clear, although Arsenal specifically appear to be weighing up a number of expensive options after opting against meeting Mudryk's asking price.

ROUND-UP

– The Times is reporting Arsenal have made 24-year-old West Ham midfielder Declan Rice their top priority in the post-season transfer window, and the England international could cost £80m.

– According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have enquired about Chelsea trio Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech.

– Newcastle have also reportedly joined Leicester City in the pursuit of 24-year-old Fiorentina forward Nico Gonzalez, who will cost at least €45m (£40m), per TuttoMercatoWeb.

– 90min is reporting Leeds United have increased their bid for 22-year-old Angers midfielder and Morocco standout Azzedine Ounahi to £22.2m (€25m).

– The agent of 25-year-old Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma has reached out to Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham in an effort to organise a move to the Premier League this month, per Relevo.

Richarlison felt Brazil's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia was "worse than losing a family member".

Pre-tournament favourites the Selecao won Group G and thrashed South Korea 4-1 in the round of 16 to raise hopes they could be crowned champions for the first time since 2002.

But their campaign came to a halt at the quarter-final stage in Qatar, losing on penalties to Croatia after Marquinhos and Rodrygo were unable to tuck away their spot-kicks.

The loss sparked emotional responses from a number of players with Neymar, who had given Brazil an extra-time lead before Bruno Petkovic's equaliser sent the game to penalties, left in tears on the pitch as Croatia celebrated their victory.

Richarlison told ESPN: "It was a blow, I don't know. I think it's worse than losing a family member.

"It was difficult to recover. To this day, when I watch videos on my social networks, it makes me sad.

"But we have to move on. I'm still young, I think I still have one or two World Cups to go. I will keep working hard so that things start to flow again, the goals start to come out, which is what I know how to do on the field."

Despite the disappointing end to the tournament, it was a strong World Cup for Richarlison, who was Brazil's top scorer with three goals.

The Tottenham forward's bicycle kick against Serbia won the goal of the tournament award and has also been nominated for the 2022 Puskas Award, handed out by FIFA to the best goal of a calendar year.

"Our goal was to be champion. I scored a beautiful goal, but I think that goal, let's say, was not my goal," Richarlison added. "We went there to raise the cup. 

"But I'm also happy to have scored that great goal, even running for the Puskas. I was happy, because I think a lot of people started to know me more. It was very important in my career."

Tottenham forward Richarlison pointed the finger of blame for the angry scenes at the end of Sunday's north London derby at Aaron Ramsdale, calling him "disrespectful".

The Arsenal goalkeeper turned to the home fans after the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 win for the Gunners and kissed the badge on his shirt, leading to Richarlison racing over to confront him before a Spurs fan managed to stand on the advertising hoardings and kick Ramsdale in the back as he retrieved his water bottle.

Several players from both teams got involved before Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ushered his team away to go over to the away fans to celebrate the win that gave them an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Speaking to ESPN, Richarlison explained why he reacted in the manner he did to Ramsdale, saying: "What I really didn't like was their goalkeeper going to celebrate in front of our fans. It's kind of disrespectful to our fans. He has his fans, he has to go celebrate with his fans, not be cute with our fans.

"People know that we tried to do our best, but you have to respect other teams. [Ramsdale] lacked respect there, and I went there to charge [against] him."

It was not the only time the former Watford and Everton player showed displeasure during the game, including moments with fellow Brazilians Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, though he later regretted his shunning of Martinelli when he offered his hand prior to taking a corner.

"I want to apologise to him," he said. "He put his hand out and I didn't. Like it or not, he is my Brazil team-mate. This is part of it, it's a derby, we were hot headed.

"With [Magalhaes], I argued a little because he was holding up the game. He ended up getting a yellow [for time-wasting], and I said to him: 'Let's play, let's play'. And he was holding up the game."

Tottenham released a statement after the game saying they were "appalled by the behaviour" of the supporter who attacked Ramsdale and confirmed they would be "working with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium."

Tottenham expressed horror at the incident that saw Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale attacked by a spectator at the end of Sunday's north London derby.

The game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had just ended when Ramsdale, close to an area containing home fans, was targeted by one supporter who climbed on a pitchside fence and kicked out.

There may be serious repercussions for Tottenham, after security measures failed to prevent the fan getting so close to the England international.

For now, Tottenham have said they are determined to identify the man, who scurried away through the stands after the incident, which was caught by television cameras.

Tottenham said in a statement: "We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today's match. Violence in any form has no place in football.

"The club has reviewed its CCTV footage to identify the supporter and will be working with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium."

England's national governing body, the Football Association, said the incident was "wholly unacceptable" and said it would play a full part in an investigation.

It issued a statement that read: "We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today's Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

"This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken."

Antonio Conte was disappointed but conceded Arsenal deserved to be leading the Premier League after a commanding 2-0 victory at Tottenham.

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit after their first win at their north London rivals since 2014, with Hugo Lloris' inexplicable own goal and Martin Odegaard's strike the difference.

Spurs had their own chances against the league-leading Gunners, with Aaron Ramsdale making fine stops to deny Son Heung-min and Harry Kane amid his seven saves in the match.

Tottenham have conceded at least two goals in five consecutive home league games for the first time since August 1992, but Conte refused to criticise his players after another disappointing showing.

"We wanted to deliver and get a result for our fans because we know how important this type of game is for them," the Spurs head coach told BBC's Match of the Day. 

"This game was also important for us and to improve the table. I am disappointed with the result. We started well and started in a strong way and then we conceded a goal.

"Football is strange and sometimes a situation happens, it is very difficult to explain. We had a good chance to equalise with Sonny but the Arsenal keeper made a fantastic save.

"The second goal could kill everybody. I have to be happy with the reaction. They stayed there with their head and mind, and I asked for that.

"In this sort of game you can lose the mind and concede many goals but instead we created chances. We continued to have a good balance and didn't concede great chances.

"We have to be disappointed and for our fans. Arsenal deserve to stay top of the table and fight to win the Premier League. They and Manchester City are the two title contenders."

Tottenham have lost four home Premier League games this season, Conte's joint-highest tally of such defeats in a single league campaign (also 2017-18 with Chelsea and 2007-08 with Bari).

That turgid run of home form, coupled with some underwhelming away performances, has left Spurs five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game fewer.

Fulham, Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford are all within four points of Tottenham, and Conte knows a tough challenge awaits in the bid for European football.

He told Sky Sports: "We have to continue to work really hard and we will see our position at the end of the season. Be it the Champions League or Europa League.

"Teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, also Brighton and Brentford. It is really difficult because every team can spend money and even the middle or lower teams have international players."

The clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was somewhat marred by a fan kicking Ramsdale, who had just been confronted by Richarlison, after the full-time whistle.

"I didn't see it. I only see a big confusion and you are telling me now what happened," Conte added.

"If it happened, it is not good. We always have to show respect for an opponent and the players. I don't like it."

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) said "violence towards players is completely unacceptable" after a fan appeared to aim a kick at Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following their derby win over Tottenham.

Following the Gunners' 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a spectator climbed over the hoardings and aimed a kick towards the England international.

The PFA has stated such problems are a "priority issue" in response, calling for players to be protected.

"Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents are occurring too often," a statement read.

"Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.

"As the players' union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work."

Mikel Arteta felt Arsenal "went another step" after a crucial derby victory over Tottenham moved the Gunners eight points clear of Manchester City.

Hugo Lloris inexplicably turned into his own net before Martin Odegaard powered into the bottom-right corner as Arsenal's first-half dominance propelled them to a 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That left Arsenal with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, their biggest advantage in the top-flight table when playing the same number of games as the side below since the final day of the 2003-04 season, when they won the title by 11 points.

Having completed their first league double over Tottenham and first victory at their fierce rivals since the 2013-14 season, Arteta believes his side displayed their title credentials with a pivotal performance.

The Arsenal manager told Sky Sports: "I loved the way we played and the courage we showed to come here and play.

"Doing our job we can make a lot of people happy, and I'm sure we've made Arsenal fans very happy. Everything we ask, they are so willing to try and do.

"They are a terrific group of players. I think today we went another step. We won last season in big stadiums, but the way we won today was really pleasing to watch.

"It shows not only determination and courage but you have to have the belief and quality to do it against this team. That is absolutely down to the players.

"We were really aggressive. We were really intense against the high press. We won so many balls and duels. They created some openings, they are a dangerous team, but we did a lot of good work."

Erik ten Hag's in-form Manchester United, who are nine points behind the leaders, follow on January 22 at Emirates Stadium in what could prove to be a decisive clash in the title race.

Arsenal may have hoped to have Mykhaylo Mudryk to call upon for that game but the Ukraine international instead opted to join Chelsea, who reportedly paid £89million (€100m) to sign the 22-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Arteta, though, preferred to focus on the quality at his disposal.

"I am very proud to have the players we have. We always want to try to improve the squad," he said. "The club are the first to try and improve the players we have.

"We have to have some discipline and be consistent in the targets we have. We can make the players better – let's focus on that.

"We had some injuries, long-term injuries and it's not helpful but we can focus on tomorrow. Train better, train better and review the game. We will try to improve the team.

"There are always a few parties involved. The club are willing and they have my support and I have their support."

Hungry and humble. That was how Mikel Arteta described Arsenal after October's north London derby victory at Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham have been less humble, more humbled, by their meetings with the Gunners this season, and Sunday's 2-0 home defeat made Spurs the victims of a first Gunners double in the north London derby since 2013-14.

With Arteta, Arsenal have a manager who understands his players, who draws the very best from them, and who might be just about halfway to a remarkable Premier League title.

In return, Arsenal's players get all the praise under the sun, but they are asked to stay focused, and duly they obey their Spanish leader.

When Arteta and captain Martin Odegaard demanded the players walk away from a post-match disturbance, away they went, to celebrate in front of their own supporters at the other end of the pitch.

This was Arsenal's first victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they lead the Premier League by eight points after 18 games, and they have an awful lot to celebrate before putting on their next game face.

A fan in a Tottenham section appeared to aim a kick at Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale seconds after the full-time whistle, climbing on pitchside railings to do so before scampering away pathetically, oblivious to the existence of television cameras.

That buffoon will doubtless get his comeuppance and Spurs themselves may face FA sanctions. It was a sorry and needless way for the game to end from a Tottenham perspective, and it had already been plenty grim enough.

Ramsdale played his own brilliant role in a fine Arsenal victory, while opposite number Hugo Lloris had a nightmare, with his own goal setting the visitors on their way.

Arsenal won 3-1 at home in October to consolidate their early hold on top spot, when a fumble from Lloris in the first game allowed Gabriel Jesus to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Arteta said after that game: "It is a really hungry and humble team, believe me. We know where we are. There is nothing that we have done yet, and there are still a lot of things to improve, and that's the direction that we are taking."

His message still stands. The title is a long way off, but Arsenal do not look like a team about to implode.

Here, Arsenal nudged their way ahead in the 14th minute, with Bukayo Saka's cross from the right taking an inconvenient nick off Ryan Sessegnon before former France captain Lloris juggled it over the line in shambolic fashion.

Son Heung-min probably should have put Spurs level three minutes later, but Ramsdale made himself big to block the South Korean's shot after Sessegnon's clever pass.

A stunning volley from Thomas Partey left the right post shaking in the 25th minute as Arsenal moved in for the kill, and Odegaard was lethal from 25 yards in the 36th minute, sending a scorching low shot inside the right post as Lloris – him again – failed to get across to the skidding ball.

Arsenal looked light years ahead of their hosts in terms of their use of the ball, slowly strangling all life out of Tottenham.

Grant Xhaka completed all 32 passes he played in the first half. Often simple, each time those passes kept Tottenham off the ball.

Curiously, Tottenham's 43.82 per cent share of the ball in the first half was their highest in a Premier League home game this season, but they were rarely hurting Arsenal.

Odegaard's goal took him to eight for the season, making the Norwegian midfielder the team's leading scorer. He is fulfilling the captain's brief to lead by example quite marvellously.

Ramsdale saved well from Harry Kane's header just before the break, with Kane one away from matching Jimmy Greaves' Tottenham goals record.

Kane will have to wait for that moment. He would have recognised Arsenal's superiority here, and it would have hurt him as much as anyone. Will Kane ever win a trophy at Spurs? It feels increasingly doubtful.

If there was any consolation in their bleak position at half-time, Tottenham may have been aware 16 of their last 17 Premier League goals had been scored in the second half of games, including their last night.

So what did they have left?

The early signs were bright. Dejan Kulusevski, coming in off the left, whipped a shot just over the bar, before Ramsdale saved brilliantly from Sessegnon as the former Fulham player looked sure to score.

But this was a tale of two keepers, and Ramsdale was rock solid.

For Arsenal, Xhaka thrashed a free-kick over, while Nketiah was twice denied by Lloris.

Then at the other end, Spurs substitute Richarlison fluffed a late chance as he allowed Ramsdale to make a comfortable claim.

Tottenham's eight-game home unbeaten streak against Arsenal in the league is over. Though they sit fifth in the table, they are five points behind fourth spot, and 14 points now adrift of Arsenal, having played one more game than Arteta's team.

London life is proving sweet for the men in red, with this a seventh win in seven capital city derbies this season, and a fourth away clean sheet out of four.

Arsenal had not won seven consecutive London derbies since the 2007-08 season. They have not been champions of England since 2003-04.

This is a season of change. A championship beckons. Such is their position of strength, we are getting close to the point where they would have to blow it. But this team are hungry and humble, guided by great leaders. Tottenham, and Antonio Conte, must feel pig sick.

Aaron Ramsdale was left with a "sour taste" after being kicked by a Tottenham fan but insisted Arsenal will celebrate a memorable 2-0 victory on Sunday.

A costly Hugo Lloris own goal and Martin Odegaard's fizzing first-half strike sent Arsenal eight points clear at the Premier League summit after their first victory at Tottenham since 2014.

The win was somewhat marred by unsavoury scenes after the full-time whistle when Ramsdale – who had just been confronted by Richarlison – was kicked by a fan standing on the hoardings behind the goal.

The Arsenal goalkeeper acknowledged he was involved in some light-hearted exchanges with some Spurs fans but labelled the post-match incident as a "shame" after the bizarre incident.

He told Sky Sports: "The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back. The people I did give it to greeted it sportsmanlike but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back.

"It is a shame as it is just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened.

"It is a sour taste but I'm sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room."

Tottenham defender Eric Dier echoed Ramsdale's sentiment, telling Sky Sports: "I didn't see it but obviously it is unacceptable and it shouldn't have happened. There's nothing more I can say."

Arsenal dominated throughout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though Ramsdale still made seven saves, including two fine stops either side of half-time against Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.

"We deserved the two-goal lead and maybe deserved more. We played the way we wanted to play in the first half and got the deserved lead," Ramsdale added.

"That's what I'm there to do. The manager also mentioned that in the last few north London derbies we haven't kept a clean sheet, so that spurred me on a bit."

Mikel Arteta's side completed their first league double over their fierce rivals since the 2013-14 season and ended Spurs' eight-game Premier League unbeaten run at home against Arsenal.

Asked about halting Tottenham's impressive derby record, Odegaard told Sky Sports: "It is about time. It felt amazing. We remembered what happened here last time.

"We wanted to play a better game and show a different side to us. We enjoyed the game."

Arsenal host in-form Manchester United on January 22, with Erik ten Hag's side trailing the leaders by nine points after derby victory over City on Saturday.

"We are in a good position, there is no doubt about that. We've got to stay humble and keep working hard," Odegaard continued.

"You saw the difference in the first and second half today so we have things to improve. We have to keep going."

Arsenal moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit after a commanding 2-0 victory at rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

Manchester City fell to a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday and Arsenal capitalised to extend their lead to eight points with their first away win in the north London derby since 2014.

Hugo Lloris' incomprehensible own goal and Martin Odegaard's sublime first-half strike proved the difference at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a fan seemingly kicked out at Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at full time.

Antonio Conte's side improved after the interval but a largely uninspiring performance leaves Spurs five points off fourth-placed United, who have played a game fewer.

Lloris handed Arsenal the lead as he inexplicably parried into his own net after Bukayo Saka's tame right-wing cross-shot deflected off Ryan Sessegnon towards goal.

Tottenham's goalkeeper atoned somewhat by keeping out Odegaard's fizzing drive, while Thomas Partey struck the right-hand post with a thunderous volley.

Yet those warnings were not heeded by Spurs, who were 2-0 down when Odegaard was again offered room outside the area. This time, he picked out the bottom-right corner.

Ramsdale denied Harry Kane's header on the stroke of half-time before thwarting the Spurs striker and Sessegnon after the interval with impressive stops in quick succession.

Eddie Nketiah wastefully fired against the onrushing Lloris shortly after, though that mattered for little as Arsenal – despite a late flurry of Spurs pressure – eased to a potentially pivotal victory.

Tempers threatened to boil over at the end, when a Tottenham supporter kicked out at Ramsdale after a confrontation with Richarlison, though Mikel Arteta rushed across to drag his team away from a potential flashpoint. 

What does it mean? Gunners end Spurs away hoodoo in vital win

January was labelled by some as defining month for Arsenal's title challenge, with the Gunners having to face Champions League contenders Newcastle United, Tottenham and United.

Arteta's side were far from their best in a goalless draw with Newcastle but improved to dominate this time out.

Victory ended an eight-game Premier League unbeaten run for Spurs at home to Arsenal, who will look to build on their first league double over their rivals since the 2013-14 season as they seek their first top-flight title since 2004.

Odegaard stars again

Odegaard has been pivotal to Arsenal's upturn in fortunes this season, with the Norway international repeatedly providing creative masterclasses for the resurgent Gunners.

The 24-year-old playmaker has eight goals and five assists after 23 games in all competitions this term, surpassing last season's tallies of seven goals and 12 goal involvements.

Arsenal might have lost out on Mykhaylo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea, but they have one of the league's outstanding attacking talents in Odegaard.

Lloris at fault again

No player in the Premier League has committed more errors leading to goals this season than the three of Lloris, though those Opta-defined stats do not include own goals.

His calamity marked his first own goal in the competition in his 354th appearance, while Chris Armstrong (in 2000) and Kevin Wimmer (in 2016) are the only others to turn into their own net in the history of this fixture in the Premier League.

What's next?

Arsenal are at home to in-form United on January 22, while Tottenham visit City three days earlier.

Premier League leaders Arsenal appear destined to miss out on their long-term target Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Gunners had reportedly made several bids for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, but he now seems set to join Chelsea after they began talks on a fee with the Ukrainian club.

As a result, Arsenal will need to turn their attention elsewhere during the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

TOP STORY – GUNNERS SWITCH ATTENTION TO BARCELONA'S RAPHINHA

Arsenal have turned to Barcelona's Brazilian winger Raphinha having missed out on Mudryk, claims Sportitalia.

The former Leeds United winger only joined Barcelona in July on a five-year contract, but has made only 12 starts from 22 overall appearances for the Blaugrana.

The Gunners hope that Raphinha would be a suitable candidate to return to England, given his previous Premier League experience.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano claims Mykhaylo Mudryk will be at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's game with Crystal Palace on Sunday after medical tests, having signed pre-contracts on a move to the Blues from Shakhtar Donetsk, warding off Arsenal's interest.

– Chelsea have also lodged a €30million (£26.5m) offer for PSV winger Noni Madueke, according to ESPN. The 20-year-old England youth international moved to the Eredivisie from Tottenham in 2018.

– Crystal Palace are set to launch a new bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, claims The Sun on Sunday. Gallagher enjoyed a bright loan spell at Selhurst Park last season and has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

– Memphis Depay will exit Barcelona in January, according to Fabrizio Romano. Talks are ongoing with Atletico Madrid, whom the Dutchman is open to joining.

– Tottenham are readying a £20m (€22.5m) move for Bayer Leverkusen's Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie, reports The Sun on Sunday.

– Football Insider has suggested that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.