Granit Xhaka reveals Arsenal dressing room message before Tottenham demolition

Arsenal midfielder Granti Xhaka says they had little time to prepare for the game against Tottenham but he could feel during training that they were ready for the battle.

The Gunners continued their brilliant start to the campaign with a deserved 3-1 win over Antnio Conte’s men, their first defeat in the league this season.

Mikel Arteta’s men started the game like a house on fire deservedly took the lead through a Thomas Partey strike from outside the box.

Spurs then improved and got themselves back into it with striker Harry Kane scoring from the spot.

The second half was all Arsenal aided by a Hugo Lloris howler and a moment of madness from Emerson Royal which saw him get sent off and effectively hand the game to the Gunners.

Gabriel Jesus profited from the Lloris howler and by the time Antonio Conte decided to react, Granit Xhaka put the game to bed with a well taken goal to seal a 3-1 win at the Emirates.

Xhaka, who is enjoying a strong start to the season, told BBC Sport he could feel it within the dressing room that they would win.

The Arsenal midfielder said: “We didn’t have a lot of weeks to prepare because of the international break, but we saw yesterday in training that we were ready.

“From the first second I think we were the better team. After we conceded we were struggling a little bit, but in the second half we were much better and I am so happy to score and help the team to win.

“My first derby goal in England. I’m more than happy to help the team. The team is the most important thing.”

Arsenal are now five points ahead of Tottenham and four ahead of Manchester City who take on Manchester United tomorrow.