Most had said it was an opportunity for Tottenham. They had argued that, with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, their inspiration and their soul, out with injury and suspension, that Mikel Arteta’s side would never be more vulnerable. This North London derby was Spurs’ moment.
But Arteta had disagreed. He had said the game represented an opportunity for Arsenal, an opportunity to prove they could beat their fiercest rivals even though they were depleted, an opportunity to eschew the temptation to make excuses, an opportunity to stand up.